Chapter 9.1, Problem 10SSC

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The importance of reducing coefficient in a balanced equation to the lowest possible whole number ratio needs to be explained.

Concept introduction:

A chemical equation is termed as balanced chemical equation if the number of atoms of every element is equal in the reactant side and product side. One example is,

${\text{N}}_{\text{2}}+3{\text{H}}_{\text{2}}\to 2{\text{NH}}_{\text{3}}$

In the reaction, number of nitrogen atom is 2 and the number of hydrogen atom is 6 in both the reactant and product side. So, the equation is balanced chemical equation.

Answer to Problem 10SSC

The relative amount of reactants and products are indicated by lowest possible whole number ratio.

Explanation of Solution

A number which is written in front of a product or reactant is termed as coefficient. They are usually whole numbers and not written if the coefficient is one. The coefficients in a balanced chemical equation are reduced into lowest possible whole number ratio to show relative amounts of products and reactants.

Conclusion

To show the amounts of different substances involved in the reaction, the coefficients should be reduced to lowest possible whole number ratio.