Explanation of Chemical Formulas by Ron Kurtus - Succeed in
Chemistry. Key words: physical science, formulae, molecules,
compounds, elements, atoms, ions, algebra, combinations,
periodic table, complex, shorthand, H2O, nitroglycerin, School
for Champions. Copyright © Restrictions by Ron Kurtus (revised
10 November 2004) A molecule or compound consists of at least
two atoms that are chemically bonded. The chemical formula of a
molecule or compound states how many atoms of each element are
in one of its molecules. This formula is similar to an algebraic
formula in its use of symbols. The description of a compound
with numbers and symbols is called a chemical formula. Some
formulae can be quite complex. Questions you may have include: -
What are chemical compounds? - What is the numbering system in a
chemical formula? - How do you designate complex compounds? This
lesson will answer those questions. Note: If you want to hear
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