What is the definition of a "coefficient" in a chemical equation?

A coefficient in a chemical equation serves a vital role in indicating the relative amounts of each substance involved in a chemical reaction. When placed in front of a chemical formula, the coefficient specifies how many molecules or moles of that substance are present. For example, in the equation 2 H2 + O2 → 2 H2O, the coefficient '2' before H2 indicates that there are two molecules of hydrogen for every one molecule of oxygen, which combine to form two molecules of water.

This helps in balancing the equation, ensuring that the law of conservation of mass is upheld, meaning that the number of atoms of each element remains constant throughout the reaction. This understanding is crucial for chemists, as it allows them to predict the proportions of reactants and products in a reaction, which is fundamental to stoichiometry and practical applications in laboratory settings.