Introduction to Chemistry Subscripts and Superscripts
Subscript and superscript can make all the difference when it comes to chemical formulas. Molecules, compounds, and other chemical structures include more than one atom. Sometimes, there are multiples of one particular atom. For instance, anhydrous aluminum chloride features one atom of aluminum joined to or combined with three atoms of chlorine. Its chemical formula reflects this: AlCl3. But – simply knowing how to use a number in this instance is not enough. It is essential to know the proper use of subscripts and superscripts. Subscripts in Chemistry Notice the number 3 is written as a subscript, or a number that is smaller than the other text, and below the normal text line, in the formula for anhydrous aluminum chloride above. The concept of a multiplicity of atoms is conveyed…