In a balanced chemical equation, where are the coefficients placed?

• A. Inside the chemical formulas as subscripts
• B. Above the chemical symbols in the equation
• C. After the chemical formulas of reactants and products
• D. In front of the chemical formulas of reactants and products

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that in a balanced chemical equation, coefficients indicate the number of molecules or moles of each substance involved in the reaction.
2. Recognize that subscripts inside chemical formulas represent the number of atoms of each element within a single molecule, and these are not changed when balancing equations.
3. Note that coefficients are placed before the chemical formulas of reactants and products to show how many units of each participate in the reaction.
4. Remember that coefficients are whole numbers and multiply the entire formula that follows them, affecting the quantity of molecules but not the composition of each molecule.
5. Therefore, the correct placement of coefficients is in front of the chemical formulas of reactants and products, not inside the formulas or above the symbols.