Final answer:
The coefficient in the formula of octane (C8H18) signifies that there are eighteen hydrogen atoms in a single molecule of octane. The coefficient does not indicate the number of carbon atoms, the number of octane molecules, or the total number of atoms.
Step-by-step explanation:
The coefficient in the formula of octane, which is C8H18, indicates the number of carbon and hydrogen atoms present in a single molecule of the compound. When looking at a balanced chemical equation that includes octane, such as the combustion reaction:
C8H18 + O₂ → CO₂ + H₂O
It tells us that one molecule of octane contains eight carbon atoms and eighteen hydrogen atoms. Therefore, for option a 'eight Carbon atoms' is incorrect because it refers to the number of carbon only. Option b is correct as it specifies the exact number of hydrogen atoms in one molecule of octane.
Option c '2 molecules of octane' is incorrect since the coefficient '1' in front of the chemical formula for octane indicates one molecule of octane. Lastly, option d '28 total atoms' is incorrect as it combines the count of carbon and hydrogen atoms, which is unnecessary and not given by the coefficient.