Question

How do we treat parenthesese and subscripts in a chemical formula, such as in Sr(OH)2?

Answer 1

Parentheses typically represent a polyatomic ion, such as hydroxide (OH-). The subscript applies to the parenthetical statement, meaning there are two hydroxide ions bonded to one strontium atom.

Answer 2

They tell you how many of each element there are. For example: \(\sf Zn ^{2+} + ~OH-\) This would combine to form \(\sf Zn(OH)_2(s)\) meaning there are \(\sf 2 O^{2-}, ~ 2 H^+\)

Answer 3

Typo: not \(\sf OH-\) but \(\sf OH^{-}\)

Answer 4

So what do I do with the 2 that's outside the parenthesis