Question

Write the letter of the definition next to the matching word as you work through the lesson. You may use the glossary to help you.

1. coefficient
2. differentiate
3. subscript
4. compound

A. to contrast or to show how two or more things are different from each other
B. a letter, number, or symbol that is smaller and just below normal line of type
C. a number that indicates how many times to multiply a variable
D. a unit of two or more atoms

Answer 1

In chemical equations, a coefficient indicates the number of molecules of a substance, while a subscript indicates the number of atoms in a compound.

Step-by-step explanation:

In chemical equations, a coefficient is a number that is placed in front of a formula to indicate how many molecules of that substance are used or produced. For example, in the equation 2H₂O, the coefficient 2 indicates that there are two molecules of water.

A subscript, on the other hand, is a number or symbol that is written below the normal line of type and indicates the number of atoms of an element in a compound. For example, in the chemical formula NO₂, the subscript 2 indicates that there are two oxygen atoms for every one atom of nitrogen.