Question

1. what is the difference between a coefficient and a subscript in a chemical equation?

Explanation:

A coefficient (e.g., 2 in \(2H_2O\)) is a number before a chemical formula, showing the number of molecules/units. A subscript (e.g., 2 in \(H_2O\)) is a number within a formula, indicating atoms of an element in one molecule.

Answer:

• Coefficient: A number placed before a chemical formula (e.g., \(2\) in \(2H_2O\)) to show the number of molecules/units of that substance.
• Subscript: A number written below and to the right of an element symbol (e.g., \(2\) in \(H_2O\)) to indicate the number of atoms of that element in one molecule.