Question

a coefficient serves which purpose in a chemical equation? (1 point)
it shows how many atoms there are of a particular element.
it shows how many atoms there are of a particular element inside of a molecule.
it shows how many atoms are in a chemical molecule.
it shows how many molecules there are of a particular substance.

Explanation:

In a chemical equation, a coefficient is placed in front of a chemical formula. For example, in \(2H_2O\), the coefficient \(2\) indicates that there are \(2\) molecules of water (\(H_2O\)). The subscript within a chemical formula (e.g., the \(2\) in \(H_2O\)) shows the number of atoms of a particular element in a molecule. So, the coefficient shows the number of molecules of a particular substance.

Answer:

It shows how many molecules there are of a particular substance.