Final answer:
The correct option is C). The coefficient of the hydrogen reactant (H2) in the balanced chemical equation N2 + 3H2 → 2NH3 is 3, representing the smallest possible integer ratio of reactants involved in the formation of ammonia.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the chemical equation N2 + 3H2 → 2NH3, the coefficient in front of the hydrogen reactant (H2) indicates how many moles of hydrogen gas are required to react with nitrogen gas to produce ammonia. The correct coefficient for hydrogen in this balanced equation is 3, as shown by the formula. When using coefficients, it is essential to have the smallest possible integers that reflect the relative numbers of reactant and product molecules involved in the chemical reaction. In this case, the formula N2 + 3H2 → 2NH3 is preferred over equations with larger coefficients because it represents the smallest ratio in which the substances react to form ammonia.