Chem question: when to use decimals for coefficient?

[nickh]

Hey guys,

Just to clarify things up, I'm just wondering during what kinds of balancing equations do coefficients have to be decimals or whole numbers?

Thanks!

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[nickh]

So far I can think of heat of formation equations. But is there anything else that would use decimals?

 

[zoey1234]

I think it has to be a whole number, for example I am going through bootcamp now and there was a question asking about the coefficient for an equation after you balance it, and I remember I picked the choice with decimal cause I thought its the simplest form; but it was considered wrong, and the one with the whole number was correct.

 

[DAT Destroyer]

Hey guys,

Just to clarify things up, I'm just wondering during what kinds of balancing equations do coefficients have to be decimals or whole numbers?

Thanks!

Normally stick to whole numbers on the DAT. Only when an equation needs it use decimals, but the preferred way is whole numbers.

Hope this helps ...enjoy your holiday vacation in between studies.🙂

 

[eugpeng]

When solving for emperical formulas, always use whole numbers

 

[nickh]

Thanks everyone! Happy holidays!🙂