In the balanced chemical equation, below, determine what the coefficient and the subscript represent in 4CO2.
Choose ALL the answers that are correct.
a
The 4 coefficient represents 4 molecules of carbon dioxide.
b
The 2 subscript represents 2 atoms of oxygen in each molecule.
c
The 2 subscript represents 2 oxygen molecules.
d
The 4 coefficient represents 4 atoms of carbon in each molecule.
a
The 4 coefficient represents 4 molecules of carbon dioxide.
b
The 2 subscript represents 2 atoms of oxygen in each molecule.
The correct answers are:
a) The 4 coefficient represents 4 molecules of carbon dioxide.
b) The 2 subscript represents 2 atoms of oxygen in each molecule.
Explanation:
In a balanced chemical equation, coefficients are used to balance the number of molecules involved in the reaction. In this case, the coefficient "4" in front of CO2 indicates that there are 4 molecules of carbon dioxide.
On the other hand, subscripts are used to represent the number of atoms of a specific element within a molecule. The subscript "2" after the O (oxygen) indicates that there are 2 atoms of oxygen in each molecule of carbon dioxide.
Therefore, answer options a) and b) correctly explain the representation of the coefficient and the subscript in the chemical equation 4CO2.
a) The 4 coefficient represents 4 molecules of carbon dioxide.
b) The 2 subscript represents 2 atoms of oxygen in each molecule.