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The number that appears before a formula in a chemical equation represents the coefficient, which indicates the ratio of moles of each substance involved in the reaction. It is used to balance the equation so that the same number of each type of atom is present on both sides of the reaction.

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What is ment by the term coefficient in relation to a chemical reaction?

A coefficient is a number written in front of a chemical formula when balancing a chemical equation. The coefficient can represent the number of atoms, molecules, formula units, or moles of the substance.


What is understood if no coefficient is written before a formula in a chemical equation?

If no coefficient is written before a formula in a chemical equation, it is understood to have an implied coefficient of 1. This means that there is one molecule or formula unit of that particular substance involved in the reaction.


Why chemical equations need to be balanced according to the law of the conservation of mass?

becasuse atoms are never gained or lost in a chemical reaction


Why do scientist use chemical equations to explain chemical reactions?

Scientists use chemical equations to show the starting materials (reactants) and resulting products in a chemical reaction in a clear and concise manner. It allows them to understand the balance of atoms before and after the reaction, and to calculate the amounts of reactants and products involved. This helps in predicting the outcome of reactions and designing new processes.


Can subscripts in a chemical formula be fractions?

The Subscripts in a Chemical formula explain how the atoms in that compound are chemically bonded. As a fraction of an atom cannot bond, the subscripts cannot be fractions. Coefficients, however which go before a chemical formula in chemical equations may be fractions. This is because they explain the ratio of the number of moles of each species required for the reaction and it is possible to have a fraction of a mole of something. The Subscripts in a Chemical formula explain how the atoms in that compound are chemically bonded. As a fraction of an atom cannot bond, the subscripts cannot be fractions. Coefficients, however which go before a chemical formula in chemical equations may be fractions. This is because they explain the ratio of the number of moles of each species required for the reaction and it is possible to have a fraction of a mole of something.

Related Questions

Are chemical equations balanced by changing the subscripts of the molecules?

No - they are usually balanced by changing the numbers before the molecules.


What is ment by the term coefficient in relation to a chemical reaction?

A coefficient is a number written in front of a chemical formula when balancing a chemical equation. The coefficient can represent the number of atoms, molecules, formula units, or moles of the substance.


What is understood if no coefficient is written before a formula in a chemical equation?

If no coefficient is written before a formula in a chemical equation, it is understood to have an implied coefficient of 1. This means that there is one molecule or formula unit of that particular substance involved in the reaction.


How does a subscript in a chemical formula affect balancing chemical equation?

When balancing a chemical equation, you multiply the subscripts in a chemical formula times the coefficient in front of the formula to get the total number of atoms of each element.


What means a number before a chemical formula for instance 3co2?

Coefficients :)


Is the number before a chemical formula indicates how many molecules are involved in a chemical reaction?

Yes, that is true.


what number represents the subscript in the formula shown?

The letter or letters that represent an element are called its atomic symbol. The numbers appearing as subscripts in the chemical formula indicate the number of atoms of the element immediately before the subscript. If no subscript appears, one atom of that element is present.


What law is Balancing Chemical equations is a result of?

Balancing chemical equations is a result of the law of conservation of mass, which states that matter cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction. Balancing the number of atoms on both sides of the equation ensures that the total mass is conserved before and after the reaction.


What can be adjusted to balance chemical equations?

Coefficients can be adjusted in front of the chemical formulas to balance chemical equations. Changing coefficients will ensure that the number of atoms of each element is equal on both sides of the equation. Subscripts within chemical formulas should not be changed to balance equations.


What is a coefficicent?

In math, it is the number that comes before the variable, such as x. In chemistry, it is the number that comes before the chemical formula.


Why chemical equations need to be balanced according to the law of the conservation of mass?

becasuse atoms are never gained or lost in a chemical reaction


Why do scientist use chemical equations to explain chemical reactions?

Scientists use chemical equations to show the starting materials (reactants) and resulting products in a chemical reaction in a clear and concise manner. It allows them to understand the balance of atoms before and after the reaction, and to calculate the amounts of reactants and products involved. This helps in predicting the outcome of reactions and designing new processes.