what are coefficients and why are they used?
2007-01-08 13:55:47 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
Coefficients are the numbers in front of the chemical formulas when you balance an equation. They are used to get the correct ratio of atoms or molecules on each side of the equation so that it obeys the law of conservation of mass.
2 Mg + O2 ---> 2 MgO
The 2's in front of the Mg and the MgO are coefficients. They keep the correct proportions of chemicals.
2007-01-08 14:02:21 · answer #1 · answered by physandchemteach 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
coefficients are used to balance eqations for example
2 H2+O2--> 2 H2O
the 2 in fornt of H2 and H2O are coefficients to balance the equation
2007-01-08 21:59:45 · answer #2 · answered by as 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Coefficients are used to show the number of moles of each compound that you have in a chemical equation.
2007-01-08 21:58:40 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
balance equations for conservation of mass
2007-01-08 21:59:37 · answer #4 · answered by reb1240 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋