Question

if the amount of atoms of each type on the left and right sides of a reaction differs, what must be done to balance it?
superscripts are placed in the chemical formulas.
coefficients are placed in front of the reactants and/or products.
it should be left alone.
subscripts are placed in the chemical formulas.

Explanation:

In chemical reactions, to balance the number of atoms of each type on both sides, coefficients (numbers in front of reactants/products) are adjusted. Superscripts (e.g., in ions like \(Na^+\)) and subscripts (e.g., in \(H_2O\)) are part of chemical formulas and not used for balancing atom counts. Leaving the reaction un - balanced is incorrect as per the law of conservation of mass.

Answer:

B. Coefficients are placed in front of the reactants and/or products.