The coefficients of a balanced chemical equation indicate the relative number of _______ of the reactants and products. All stoichimetric calculations begin with a _______. Only ______ and ______ are conserved iin every reaction; moles, volumes, and representative particles may not be.

The coefficients of a balanced chemical equation indicate the relative number of moles of the reactants and products. All stoichiometric calculations begin with a balanced chemical equation. Only atoms and mass are conserved in every reaction; moles, volumes, and representative particles may not be.

To determine the coefficients of a balanced chemical equation, you need to follow these steps:

1. Write down the unbalanced chemical equation for the reaction.
2. Determine the number of atoms of each element present on both the reactant and product sides of the equation.
3. Adjust the coefficients in front of the chemical formulas to balance the number of atoms on both sides of the equation.
4. Make sure to balance elements one at a time, starting with the most complex molecule or the elements that appear in the fewest different compounds.
5. Double-check that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation.

By balancing the equation, you ensure that the number of atoms of each element is conserved during a chemical reaction. This balanced equation allows you to determine the relative amounts of reactants and products and perform stoichiometric calculations.