Final answer:
To determine the lowest whole-number coefficients of a and b in the balanced chemical equation, we use their molar masses and find the simplest ratio between them. In this case, a = 2 and b = 3.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine the lowest whole-number coefficients of a and b in the balanced chemical equation, we need to consider their molar masses. Let's assume the balanced equation is aA + bB → cC. Given that the molar mass of A (a) is 50.0 g/mol and the molar mass of B (b) is 75.0 g/mol, we need to find the lowest whole-number ratio between these two masses.
Using the molar masses as a ratio, we can divide them to find the simplest ratio: 50.0 g/mol / 75.0 g/mol = 2/3. Since we need whole-number coefficients, we can multiply this ratio by a common factor to get whole numbers. Multiplying by 3 gives us a = 2 and b = 3.
Therefore, the lowest whole-number coefficients for a and b in the balanced chemical equation are a = 2 and b = 3.