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Parentheses are used when you have more than 1 of a certain polyatomic ion.

For example, the chemical compound Magnesium nitrate.

It's chemical formula is Mg(NO3)2

A Nitrate ion (NO3) has a -1 charge and Magnesium(Mg) has a +2 charge. So when they form a chemical compound together, you drop the charges down to the other ion (nitrate is minus 1 so you need 1 magnesium. Magnesium is +2, so you need 2 nitrates), so there must be two nitrate ions to make Magnesium Nitrate.

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14y ago
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12y ago

I have reduced the answer to 4 possible answers.

They are used to show atoms that are not part of the molecule.

They are used to show which atoms are positively charged.

They are used to show which atoms are most easily removed.

They are used to show how atoms are grouped in the molecule.

If i learn more, i will post it up! Hope this helps. Its better than "turtle"

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12y ago

Parenthesis are used when using more than one polyatomic ion

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11y ago

To show that more than one group of atoms (usually called a polyatomic ion) is present in one formula unit or molecule.

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14y ago

Structural Information

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12y ago

If more than one polyatomic ion is needed

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12y ago

francium

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Q: When must parentheses be used in a formula for a compound?
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