A coefficient tells the lowest whole number ratio of compounds in a given chemical reaction.Group of answer choicesTrueFalseNext

Answering the Question

The statement, "A coefficient tells the lowest whole number ratio of compounds in a given chemical reaction," is True.

In a balanced chemical equation, coefficients represent the number of moles of each compound involved in the reaction. These coefficients are the smallest whole numbers that balance the number of atoms of each element on both sides of the equation. Therefore, they reflect the lowest whole number ratio of the substances participating in the chemical reaction.

For example, in the balanced equation:

$2H_2 + O_2 \rightarrow 2H_2O$

the coefficients indicate that two moles of hydrogen react with one mole of oxygen to produce two moles of water, which exemplifies the lowest ratio of the reactants and products.

Summary

Thus, the statement is true as coefficients do represent the lowest whole number ratios of compounds in a chemical reaction.