Question

question 1 of 8
how should you indicate that there are multiple polyatomic ions in a chemical formula?
a. put a number in front of the polyatomic ion in the chemical formula.
b. put parentheses around the atoms in the ion and then add a subscript.
c. put a prefix in front of the polyatomic ion in the chemical formula.
d. put a roman numeral in parentheses after the polyatomic ion.

Explanation:

In chemical formulas, when indicating multiple polyatomic ions, parentheses are placed around the atoms in the ion and then a subscript is added to show the number of such polyatomic ions. For example, in calcium hydroxide $Ca(OH)_2$, the $(OH)$ is the polyatomic ion hydroxide and the subscript 2 indicates two hydroxide ions.

Answer:

B. Put parentheses around the atoms in the ion and then add a subscript.