Here's how it works:
* Coefficients: These are the numbers written in front of each chemical formula in the equation.
* Moles: The coefficients represent the relative number of moles of each reactant and product involved in the reaction.
Example:
The balanced chemical equation for the combustion of methane is:
```
CH4 + 2O2 → CO2 + 2H2O
```
This equation tells us:
* 1 mole of methane (CH4) reacts with 2 moles of oxygen (O2).
* This produces 1 mole of carbon dioxide (CO2) and 2 moles of water (H2O).
Key takeaway: The stoichiometric coefficients in a balanced chemical equation provide the mole ratios between reactants and products, allowing us to determine the exact number of moles involved in the reaction.