* The coefficient: The "2" in front of the formula indicates that we have two molecules of C2H6.
* The subscripts: The "2" in C2H6 indicates that each molecule has 2 carbon atoms. The "6" indicates that each molecule has 6 hydrogen atoms.
Calculation:
* Carbon: 2 molecules * 2 carbon atoms/molecule = 4 carbon atoms
* Hydrogen: 2 molecules * 6 hydrogen atoms/molecule = 12 hydrogen atoms
Therefore, 2C2H6 contains 4 carbon atoms and 12 hydrogen atoms.