Coefficients in a chemical equation express RATIOS between molecules or compounds.
In chemical equations, coefficient refers to those numerical numbers that are usually written at the front of elements' chemical symbols in order to balance the equations. Coefficients tell us the number of a particular element that must react with a specific number of another element in order for certain amount of chemical products to be produced; that is, it provide information about the reaction ratio of reactants and products. For instance, look at this chemical equation: N2 + 3H2 = 2NH3
In the equation given above, the coefficient of N2 is 1, the coefficient of H2 is 3 and the coefficient of NH3 is 2. What this equation is essentially telling us is that, in order to produce two molecules of ammonia, one molecule of nitrogen must react with three molecules of hydrogen. Thus, the equation gives the ratios between the product and the reactants.
Coefficients in a chemical equation express RATIOS between molecules or compounds.
In chemistry, coefficients are numerical numbers in front of element or formula. In a chemical equation, coefficients show the number of elements that should react with the number of other elements to produce a particular amount of chemical products.
In other words, coefficients show the number of the molecules of the substance (reactant and products) in a chemical reaction.
For proper clarification: let look at this equation
2 H2 + O2 — 2 H2O
This goes to shows the coefficient in front of each element, which means that the coefficient of H2 is 2, the coefficients 02 is 1 and the coefficient of H20 is 2.
What the equation is showing us is that 2 molecules of hydrogen with one molecule of oxygen will produce 2 molecules of water (H20).
If coefficients are not present in a chemical equation, what it means is that we will only know that a certain reactants will produce a particular products.
However, without the coefficients, we won’t be able to know the ratio at which the elements will react with one another.
Therefore, Coefficients in a chemical equation express RATIOS between molecules or compounds.
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