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

Question

anonymous · Answer

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.

jhannybean · Answer

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 $\sf 2 O^{2-}, ~ 2 H^+$

jhannybean · Answer

Typo: not $\sf OH-$ but $\sf OH^{-}$

anonymous · Answer

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