alleryStart learning →Convention says a balanced equation should use coefficients that are:
AAlways equal to one
BSmallest whole numbers
CLargest whole numbers
DAlways simple fractions
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: B. Smallest whole numbers
1. More than one set of coefficients can balance the same equation.
2. One set is chosen as standard so that everyone writes the reaction the same way.
3. Convention dictates use of the smallest whole-number coefficients.
4. Fractional coefficients are allowed as a working step but are multiplied out at the end.
_Source: OpenStax Chemistry 2e (CC BY 4.0), Ch 4 'Stoichiometry of Chemical Reactions', sections 4.1-4.5_
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