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# What is a subscript in chemistry?

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In a molecular formula, a subscript is written immediately after the letter denoting an element and refers to the amount of atoms that element has. A molecular formula, or empirical formula, is noted as a series of letters and numbers that represent a compound, or a molecule. Each letter in a formula symbolizes one element from the periodic table of elements.

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For example, carbon monoxide is written out as CO, whereas carbon dioxide is written out as CO2. The number two is the subscript, denoting there are two atoms of oxygen in the compound. If an element's symbol does not have a subscript, such as in CO, then it is assumed that there is only one atom of each element.

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## Related Questions

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The chemical formula for glucose is C6H12O6, with the numbers that follow each element represented in subscript for clarity. Glucose represents one example of a carbohydrate sugar used by the human body for energy.

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The formula for the chlorate anion is ClO3-, with the - typically written in superscript and the 3 written in subscript. The symbol Cl indicates an atom of chlorine, while the symbol O3 represents three atoms of oxygen. The minus indicates that the ion carries a charge of minus one.

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The chemical symbol for water can be written as H2O, with the 2 written is subscript, or as HOH. HOH is the less-common symbol used when referring to water.