Here's a breakdown:
* No subscript means there is one atom of that element. For example, in H₂O, there is one oxygen atom.
* Subscript number indicates the number of atoms of that element. For example, in H₂O, there are two hydrogen atoms.
* Subscript outside parentheses applies to all elements within the parentheses. For example, in (NH₄)₂SO₄, there are two nitrogen atoms, eight hydrogen atoms, one sulfur atom, and four oxygen atoms.
Example:
Consider the chemical formula for glucose: C₆H₁₂O₆
* C₆ means there are six carbon atoms.
* H₁₂ means there are twelve hydrogen atoms.
* O₆ means there are six oxygen atoms.
In summary, subscripts are essential for understanding the composition and structure of chemical compounds.
