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What is the number written in front of a substance in a balanced chemical equation called?
AAn empirical formula
BA molecular formula
CA stoichiometric ratio
DA percentage yield
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: C. A stoichiometric ratio
1. A balanced equation shows how many units of each substance take part.
2. The number in front of a reactant or a product is the stoichiometric coefficient, also called the stoichiometric ratio.
3. These numbers give the mole ratios used in every stoichiometric calculation.
4. An empirical formula is the simplest formula of a compound, which is a different idea entirely.
_Source: Siyavula Physical Sciences Grade 11 (Everything Science, CC BY 4.0), Chapter 8: Quantitative aspects of chemical change_