Question

determine whether the following statements are true (t) or false (f). 1. atoms are represented by a coefficient in front of an elements symbol. 2. the total number of atoms of each element must be the same in a chemical reaction. 3. in a chemical reaction, the reactants are on the left side of the equation. 4. the new substances formed by a chemical reaction are referred to as the products. 5. if no coefficient is shown, then 0 molecules of an element or compound are present. 6. all known elements are represented by a symbol with only a single capital letter.

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze statement 1

Atoms are not represented by a coefficient in front of an element's symbol. They are represented by sub - scripts (for atoms within a molecule) or just the element symbol itself in some cases. So, statement 1 is false.

Step2: Analyze statement 2

In a chemical reaction, the total number of atoms of each element must be the same on both sides of the equation due to the law of conservation of mass. This is true.

Step3: Analyze statement 3

Reactants are on the left - hand side of a chemical equation, so the statement "In a chemical reaction, the reactants are on the left side of the equation" is true.

Step4: Analyze statement 4

Products are the new substances formed in a chemical reaction, so this statement is true.

Step5: Analyze statement 5

If no coefficient is shown, it is assumed to be 1, not 0. So this statement is false.

Step6: Analyze statement 6

Elements are represented by symbols which can have one or two letters (not just a single capital letter always, e.g., Ca for calcium). So this statement is false.

Answer:

1. F
2. T
3. T
4. T
5. F
6. F