Please answer this chemistry question please!?

F

flamebroiledtaco

New member
Explain why it is appropriate to group a polyatomic ion in parentheses in a chemical formula, if more than one of that ion is present in the formula.

I want to understand this question for a test. Just this question so I can study. Thank you!
 
Otherwise, it will seem like you're only indicating multiple atoms of the final element. Example:

H2CO3 vs. Fe(HCO3)3
If you did FeHCO33 it will be confusing and sound like you want either 6 or 9 O atoms. That's why parentheses are very necessary.
 
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