The chemical formula of a molecule shows the number and kinds of atoms contained in it. The formula of a molecule of an element is denoted by the chemical symbol of the element and a subscript showing the number of atoms in the molecules. For example, H2 denotes a molecule of hydrogen which consists of two hydrogen atoms. The same method is used in representing the chemical formula of compounds. There are at least two chemical symbols in the chemical formula of a compound because each molecule of a compound is made up of two or more different types of atoms.
When more than one atom of an element is present, the number of atoms is given by a subscript. When no subscript is written, we assume that the number of atom is one. A carbon monoxide is made up of one carbon and one oxygen atom. A water molecule consists of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. A glucose atom consists of six carbon atoms, twelve hydrogen atoms and six oxygen atoms.
When more than one atom of an element is present, the number of atoms is given by a subscript. When no subscript is written, we assume that the number of atom is one. A carbon monoxide is made up of one carbon and one oxygen atom. A water molecule consists of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. A glucose atom consists of six carbon atoms, twelve hydrogen atoms and six oxygen atoms.
