Chemical Formula and Equations

Chemical Formula & Equations

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Chemical Formula and Equations - What is a Chemical Formula?

Chemical Formulas are a type of shorthand for representing the elements in a compound. Element Symbols are included on the Periodic Table. Chemical symbols (Element symbols) from the periodic table are used for the individual elements e.g. H for hydrogen, C for carbon, O for oxygen, N for nitrogen, Ca for calcium and Na for Sodium. Substances that have two or more atoms bonded together, and therefore more than one element e.g. H2O are called compounds. See Examples of Compounds.

 

Chemical Formula and Equations - Subscripts
A chemical formula or equation shows the symbols of the elements in the compound and the ratio of the elements to one another. If a substance contains more than one atom of a particular element, this quantity is indicated in chemical formulas or equations using a subscript number after the element symbol. The subscript number refers only to the element it immediately follows. For example, the chemical formula for water is H2O which indicates that 2 atoms of Hydrogen combines with 1 atom of oxygen.

How to write a Chemical Formula or Equation using Subscripts
To type or write a subscript for a chemical formula or equation just follow these simple instructions:

  • Type in the formula or equation for example H2O

  • Highlight the number

  • Click Format

  • Select Font... Decrease the font size of the number

  • Under the heading Effects tick the Subscript Box

  • The formula will now show the equation with the number in subscript - H2O

Chemical Formula and Equations

Chemical Formula and Equations - Examples and Meanings of Subscripts
For example, the chemical formula for water is H2O which indicates that 2 atoms of Hydrogen combines with 1 atom of oxygen. The chemical formula for sodium chloride (Salt) is NaCl indicating that one atom of sodium combines with one atom of chlorine in a one-to-one ratio. Subscripts are added, following the element symbol, to indicate that the number of atoms of that element in the compound if it is greater than one. For example, the formula for magnesium bromide MgBr2 which indicates that one magnesium atom combines with two bromine atoms.

Meanings and Examples of Chemical Formula and Equations
The following examples of Chemical Formula and Equations explain their meaning.

Example of Chemical Formula for Salt (Sodium Chloride) - NaCl

NaCl

Symbol Na indicates the element Sodium
Symbol Cl indicates the element Chlorine

No subscripts indicate only 1 atom for each element
              

Example of Chemical Formula for Water - H2O

H2O

Symbol H indicates the element Hydrogen
Symbol O indicates the element Oxygen

Subscript indicates 2 atoms of Hydrogen

Chemical Formula and Equations - Common Chemical Formula List
The following list of Chemical Formula and Equations shows some of the most common chemical formulas.

Common Chemical Formula List

Na

Sodium

H2O

Water

C6H12O6

Glucose
C2H6OAlcohol

CaSO4

Sulfate Group

H2S

Hydrogen Sulfide

 NaCl

Salt

O2

Oxygen

C2H6O

Ethanol
C2H4O2Vinegar

NH3

Ammonia

Mg

Magnesium

C2H4O2

Acetic Acid

C4H10

Butane
NO3Nitrate

Cu

Copper

N2

Nitrogen

CO2

Carbon Dioxide

H2SO4

Sulfuric Acid

CH4

Methane

C12H22O11

Sucrose

C3H8

Propane

NaHCO3

Baking Soda

F

Fluoride

F2

Fluoride

H2O2

Peroxide

C8H10N4O2

Caffeine

NaCl

Sodium Chloride

C9H8O4

Aspirin

HCl

Hydrochloric Acid

Zn(NO3)2

Zinc

CO

Carbon Monoxide

NaOH

Sodium Hydroxide

NaCN

Sodium Cyanide

Ca(CN)2

Calcium Cyanide

Au

Gold

I

Iodine

Sn

Tin

C6H6

Benzene

H2S

Hydrogen Sulfide

CH3COCH3

Acetone

H3PO4

Phosphoric Acid

C5H12

Pentane

CH3OH

Methanol

HBr

Hydrobromic Acid

H2CO3

Carbonic Acid

Ti

Titanium

NaClO

Sodium Hypochlorite

C2H6

Ethane

(NH4)2SO4

Ammonium Sulfate

C8H18

Octane

CuSO4

Copper Sulfate

C27H46O

Cholesterol

C7H6O2

Benzoic Acid

H2SO3

Sulfurous Acid

C6H12O6

Galactose

C6H8O6

Ascorbic Acid

CO2

Dry Ice

NaNO3

Sodium Nitrate

CaO

Calcium Oxide

HIO3

Iodic Acid

C3H6O3

Lactic Acid

MgBr2

Lactic Acid

H2O

Water Vapor

No Formula

Oxide

C

Carbon

H

Hydrogen
CnH2nOnSugar

O4S2-

Sulfate

N2O

Nitrogen

C6H8O7

Citric Acid

C8H18

Octane

C10H16O

Camphor

AgISilver Oxide

As4O3

Arsenic Trioxide

Au2O3

Gold Trioxide

Au2S

Gold Sulfide

Br2Bromine

Al2O3

Aluminium foil

Common Chemical Formulas List

Chemical Formula and Equations
The above list of Chemical Formula and Equations provides details of the common Chemical Formulas.

 

Chemical Formula and Equations

  • Homework help to learn about Chemical Formula and Equations

  • Useful facts and info for all chemistry students

  • Chemical Formula and Equations

  • Examples of Chemical Formula and Equations

  • Meaning of Chemical Formula and Equations

  • Chemical Formula and Equations

  • The Periodic Table

  • Examples and Meaning of Chemical Formula and Equations

Chemical Formula and Equations

Chemical Formula and Equations
The Periodic Table - The most important chemistry reference there is, and
the cornerstone of science since 1869

 

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