Coefficients

Definition

Coefficients are numerical values placed in front of chemical formulas in chemical equations to indicate the proportion of reactants and products. They ensure the law of conservation of mass is satisfied by balancing the equation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Coefficients are essential for balancing chemical equations to obey the law of conservation of mass.
2. The coefficients indicate the relative number of moles of each substance involved in a reaction.
3. Changing a coefficient changes the amount of substance but not its identity or properties.
4. Coefficients must be whole numbers and cannot be fractions in balanced chemical equations.
5. Balanced coefficients determine the stoichiometric relationships used for quantitative calculations in reactions.

Review Questions

• Why are coefficients important in a chemical equation?
• How do you determine the correct coefficients to balance a chemical equation?
• What happens if you change a coefficient in a balanced chemical equation?

Related terms

Stoichiometry:

The calculation of reactants and products in chemical reactions based on balanced equations.

Law of Conservation of Mass:

A principle stating that mass cannot be created or destroyed during a chemical reaction.

Mole Ratio:

A ratio derived from the coefficients of a balanced equation, used to convert between moles of different substances.