What is the number you place to the left of the formula for a substance taking part in a reaction?

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Answer 1 · 2017-06-13T18:36:45

You may refer to the #"stoichiometric coefficient........."#

We can examine coefficient with reference to a standard combustion reaction; say that of methane (i), or ethane (ii), as shown........

#CH_4(g) + O_2(g) rarr CO_2(g) + 2H_2O(g)# #(i)#

#H_3C-CH_3(g) + 7/2O_2(g) rarr 2CO_2(g) + 3H_2O(g)# #(ii)#

For #(i)# the stoichiometric coefficients are #"1, 1, 1, and 2"#.

And for #(ii)# the stoichiometric coefficients are #"1, " 7/2, " 2, and 3"#.

And here these coefficients represent the stoichiometric proportions of reactants and products with reference to molar quantities.

All chemical reactions should be stoichiometrically balanced with respect to mass and charge............