Stoichiometric Coefficient Formula:
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Definition: The stoichiometric coefficient (vi) relates the change in moles of a component to the extent of reaction in a chemical equation.
Purpose: It quantifies the proportional relationship between reactants and products in a balanced chemical reaction.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: The change in moles of a component divided by the extent of reaction gives its stoichiometric coefficient.
Details: These coefficients are crucial for balancing chemical equations, calculating reaction yields, and determining limiting reactants.
Tips: Enter the change in moles (Δn) and extent of reaction (ξ). The extent of reaction must be non-zero.
Q1: What does a negative stoichiometric coefficient mean?
A: Negative coefficients indicate reactants (being consumed), while positive coefficients indicate products (being formed).
Q2: How is the extent of reaction determined?
A: The extent of reaction is measured experimentally by tracking the change in concentration of any reactant or product over time.
Q3: Can the stoichiometric coefficient be zero?
A: No, every component in a reaction must have a non-zero coefficient, though some may be very small for trace components.
Q4: How does this relate to the reaction quotient Q?
A: Stoichiometric coefficients appear as exponents in the reaction quotient expression for equilibrium calculations.
Q5: What's the difference between stoichiometric and actual coefficients?
A: Stoichiometric coefficients represent ideal proportions, while actual coefficients may differ in complex or non-stoichiometric reactions.