Question

In the simulation, were you able to use noninteger numbers (like ½ or 0.43) for the coefficients in a balanced equation? Why do you think this is?

Answer 1

Because half the time the number are either fractions or decimals.

Answer 2

Answer:

By standard convention, decimals and fractions are avoided or rather do away with when balancing chemical equations.

We do not have decimals when balancing equations, because we are balancing atoms and molecules. You can't cut an atom or a molecule in half after all, so you must use whole numbers.

By doing away with decimals and fractions, mole relationships between reactants and products are simply presented.

It is much more understandable and presentable to say; "2 moles of Hydrogen gas reacts with 1 mole of oxygen gas to form2moles of water molecule"

Rather than; "1 moles of Hydrogen gas reacts with 1/2 mole of oxygen gas to form 1 moles of water molecule"