Question

what is the key difference between a subscript (like the 2 in h₂) and a coefficient (like the 3 in 3h₂)? a subscript shows the number of molecules, while a coefficient shows the number of atoms. a subscript is a large number in front of a formula, while a coefficient is a small number within a formula. a subscript applies to the whole reaction, while a coefficient applies to a single element. a subscript shows the number of atoms in one molecule, while a coefficient shows the number

Explanation:

In chemical formulas, a subscript indicates the number of atoms of an element within a single molecule. For example, in \(H_2\), the subscript \(2\) means there are 2 hydrogen atoms in one hydrogen molecule. A coefficient, on the other hand, shows the number of molecules of a substance. In \(3H_2\), the coefficient \(3\) means there are 3 hydrogen molecules.

Answer:

D. A subscript shows the number of atoms in one molecule, while a coefficient shows the number