Examine the equation. c3h8(g)+5o2(g)→3co2(g)+4h2o(l) in the equation shown, what is the number 4 an example of? reactant chemical formula coefficient product

Coefficient

Explanation:

We can explain this discarting options too. Now, let's write again the chemical equation;

C3H8(g)+5O2(g)→3CO2(g)+4H2O(l)

In a chemical equation, we have two sides. The left side we have the reactants of the reaction, these can be elements or compounds that reacts between each other, to produce another compound or substance. This compounds or elements are on the right side of the reaction. This side we have the products of the reaction of reactants.

Now, as in every situation of life, we need a balance of reactants and products, so, the only way to balance a chemical equation is by putting numbers behind every compound of the reactant and/or products to equal the number of atoms on each side. So if in the reactants we have 3 atoms of C, in the products we need to have the same 3 atoms.

Based on the above explanation, we can say that the number 4 is behind the H2O. This compound is on the side of products, but the number only, do not represent a product, so this option can be discarted.

A reactant cannot be either, cause it's not on the side of reactant.

Chemical formula, could be, if the number were as subscript, but it's not the case, and the chemical formula is composed of symbols.

Finally, as the number that we put behind the compounds work to balance the equation, the only function that these numbers have here, is to be coefficients of the reactions, and furthermore, it will work as mole.

So the correct option is the third one, Coefficient.