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When there is more than one polyatomic ion. Calcium Hydroxide is an example. Ca has a charge of 2+ and OH has a charge of 1-. To make this neutral, 2 hydroxides are required. So it would be written: Ca(OH)2. If we didn't use the parentheses, it would look like there was 1 calcium, 1 oxygen, and 2 hydrogens. Obviously this isn't right. That's why the parentheses are necessary.

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13y ago
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4mo ago

Parentheses in a formula are used to indicate the order of operations, just like in arithmetic. They ensure that certain calculations are performed first before others. Parentheses help to clarify the hierarchy of operations in a formula and prevent confusion about which calculations should be done together.

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13y ago

You use parentheses when there is more than one of a particular group in an atom. This is most often used for compounds containing polyatomic ions.

For example, calcium hydroxide is Ca(OH)2The formula shows that each formula unit contains 2 hydroxide ions, OH-.

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13y ago

Especially when attaching more than one polyatomic ion in a compound.

Ca(OH)2

Ca3(PO4)2

and the like

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Q: When do you use a parentheses for a formula?
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Parentheses are used in the formula of an ionic compound when there is more than one polyatomic ion in the formula. They help indicate the correct ratio of ions in the compound. For example, in calcium nitrate (Ca(NO3)2), parentheses are used to show that there are two nitrate ions for every one calcium ion.


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Parentheses are used in ionic compound formulas when multiple polyatomic ions are present. The parentheses are used to indicate a subscript that applies to all the elements inside the parentheses. For example, in the formula for calcium nitrate (Ca(NO3)2), the parentheses indicate that the nitrate ion (NO3) has a subscript of 2.


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put parentheses around the atoms in the ion and then add a subscript - apex


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