Question

Write the steps that are followed to write down the chemical formula of a substance.

Answer 1

Step 1:
Write down the symbols of elements/ions side by side so that the positive radical is on the left and the negative radical is on the right-hand side.

Step 2:
Write the valencies of the two radicals above their symbols to the right in superscript (Signs ‘+’ and ‘-‘ of the ions are omitted).

Step 3:
Reduce the valencies to the simplest ratio if needed. Otherwise, interchange the valencies of the elements/ions. Write these numbers as subscripts. However, ‘1’ appearing on the superscript of the symbol is omitted.