Mole Coefficients in Chemical Equations

[Jackie Ngo 1C]

for example, in 2Na + 2H2O --> 2NaOH + H2, the formula, in Mole terms is essentially 2 moles + 2 moles --> 2 moles + 1 mole. Why aren't the mole coefficients equal on both sides?

[Jovian Cheung 1K]

While the numbers of moles for each element has to be equal, the numbers of moles for molecules etc. in general don't have to be equal on both sides.
Part of the point of balancing is that no atoms spontaneously get created, and no atoms spontaneously disappear. But otherwise they can combine/split to form different numbers of molecules etc. and there's no problem with it!

[yaosamantha4F]

The coefficients are used to represent the number of atoms/molecules on each side! With coefficients of 2, 2, 2, and 1, both sides of the reaction end up with 2 atoms of Na, 4 atoms of H, and 2 atoms of O.

[Madeera_Mian_3B]

It is true that the moles coefficients are not "equal" on both sides. But, the process of balancing the equation is trying to make sure the atoms/elements are the same.

[Grace Diaz 3F]

The moles are not equal but the number of atoms of each element in both the reactant and product side are. The moles indicate the amount of compounds that can be created from the given atoms.

[Manas Jinka]

Balancing equations deals simply with making sure that the number of atoms are equal one both sides of the equation. This is based on the law of conservation of mass, which means that atoms can neither be created or destroyed.

[Abhi4F]

While the mole coefficients may not be equal, this does not mean the equation is not balanced. Balancing equations deals with the same number of atoms/elements on the reactant and product side.