Question

why are subscripts used in chemical formulas?
a. to decrease the amount of a compound
b. to increase the amount of the compound
c. to show how many of each kind of atom is in a compound
d. to show the number of protons and electrons

Explanation:

In chemical formulas, subscripts are used to indicate the number of atoms of each element in a compound. For example, in \(H_2O\), the subscript 2 shows there are 2 hydrogen atoms. Option A and B are incorrect as subscripts don't increase or decrease the amount of a compound in that sense. Option D is wrong because subscripts don't show protons and electrons.

Answer:

C. to show how many of each kind of atom is in a compound