In a chemical equation, what does a coefficient show?
the number of atoms of an element present in a molecule in the chemical reaction
the number of reactants present in the chemical reaction
the number of molecules needed to balance a chemical equation
the number of molecules of a substance present in the chemical reaction
The coefficient in a chemical equation represents the number of molecules needed to balance the chemical equation.
In a chemical equation, a coefficient shows the number of molecules needed to balance a chemical equation.
In a chemical equation, a coefficient shows the number of molecules needed to balance the equation. It represents the relative amount of each substance taking part in the chemical reaction.
To determine the purpose of a coefficient in a chemical equation, you can follow these steps:
1. Analyze the balanced chemical equation.
2. Identify the coefficients placed in front of the chemical formulas.
3. Understand that a coefficient represents the number of molecules of a substance present in the chemical reaction.
4. Note that these coefficients are used to balance the equation, ensuring that the same number of each type of atom is present on both sides of the equation.
Therefore, the correct answer is: the number of molecules needed to balance a chemical equation.