Writing Chemical Formulas
Positive ions are always placed first in a chemical formula. The symbol for each different element begins with a CAPITAL letter. (If a second letter is part of the symbol it is small case CaSO4 Positive ions are always placed first in a chemical formula. Cl-, Rb+ RbCl
The sum of the valence numbers must add to zero Al+3, O-2 Al2O3 [2 x (+3)] + [3 x (-2)] = +6 + -6 = 0
Never write the number one (1) in a chemical formula. Na1Br1 NaBr
Reduce subscripts to lowest terms. Be4F8 becomes BeF2 This produces an empirical formula or a simple formula
If a polyatomic ion (radical) requires a subscript, parentheses are placed around the polyatomic ion and the subscript is placed outside the parentheses. Pb+4, SO42- Pb(SO4)2