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What does the superscript and the subscript in a notation mean?

Answer:

It depends where they are located.

The superscript can be the charge of the compound or atomic mass of the atom.
The subscript can be the atomic number of the atom or the number of atoms in a compound.

Superscripts
Mg+2 Magnesium has a +2 charge.
ClO- Perchlorate has a -1 charge.

235U Uranium has an atomic mass of 235 amu.

Subscripts
O2 Each molecule of oxygen has 2 oxygen atoms.
H2SO4 Each sulfuric acid molecule has 2 hydrogens, 1 sulfur, and 4 oxygen atoms.

56Ba Barium has an atomic number of 56. It has 56 protons and 56 electrons.

First answer by SlothMold. Last edit by SlothMold. Contributor trust: 15 [recommend contributor recommended]. Question popularity: 4 [recommend question].

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