Why is it important to include coefficients when balancing chemical equations?

• A. Coefficients ensure that the law of conservation of mass is obeyed by making the number of atoms of each element equal on both sides of the equation.
• B. Coefficients specify the type of chemical bond formed during the reaction.
• C. Coefficients indicate the physical state of each substance in the reaction.
• D. Coefficients show the temperature at which the reaction occurs.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that a chemical equation represents a chemical reaction, showing reactants on the left and products on the right.
2. Recall the law of conservation of mass, which states that matter cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction.
3. Recognize that coefficients in a chemical equation are numbers placed before formulas to indicate the relative amounts of each substance involved.
4. Realize that including coefficients ensures the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation, thus obeying the law of conservation of mass.
5. Note that coefficients do not specify bond types, physical states, or temperature; these are indicated by other notations or conditions.