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Chemistry Forums for Students => High School Chemistry Forum => Topic started by: Karatekboy on August 02, 2016, 01:07:44 PM

Title: Superscripts in Molecular Formula?!?
Post by: Karatekboy on August 02, 2016, 01:07:44 PM

The question is: How do the formula or molecular weights of he following differ: C¹⁶O₂, C¹⁸O₂, and K₂¹⁸O? Explain. Now it is not the problem that is tripping me up as much as the superscript a on the numbers because they are obviously superscripts to the right of the number and they do not have a charge attached to them. An example using this problem would be very helpful!

Title: Re: Superscripts in Molecular Formula?!?
Post by: AWK on August 02, 2016, 01:26:27 PM

Superscript on the left of symbol informs you about mass of isotope (in all these cases  - oxygen).

Title: Re: Superscripts in Molecular Formula?!?
Post by: mikasaur on August 02, 2016, 01:28:18 PM

http://preparatorychemistry.com/Bishop_Isotope_Notation.htm

Title: Re: Superscripts in Molecular Formula?!?
Post by: Karatekboy on August 02, 2016, 02:33:41 PM

Ok, that makes sense. I thought it was attached to the Carbon