The Difference between Coefficients and Subscripts in Chemical Equations

The key difference between Coefficients (the numbers in front of compounds or individual elements) and Subscripts (the small number after an element symbol) is a key concept in chemistry. Coefficients tell us how many of the molecule or element there are. For example, 5H2O means that there are 5 individual H2O molecules. Subscripts tell us how many of the element symbol in front of the subscript there are. So in the compound CH4, the 4 tells there are 4 H atoms bonded to the C atom. This is a key difference between coefficients and subscripts. To be successful in chemistry it is essential to be able to recognize the difference between coefficients and subscripts.