Enter or edit chemical notation (simple answer box, no chemical toolbar)

Updated 19 Feb 2024

Your answers will appear exactly as you as you type them (i.e., not as you might see in your textbook). However, assignments in your course may require this type of keyboard-based "shorthand" for Mastering to correctly interpret your answers. You must complete these kinds of questions on a computer, not on a mobile device.

If your answer box provides a chemical toolbar above the answer area: See alternate instructions.

To indicate...	Type this from your keyboard
Subscript	_ (Underscore: Shift+-) For a single-digit subscript: Follow the underscore with the number. For example, to represent H₂type H_2. For two or more digits in a subscript: Follow the underscore with the digits in parentheses, such as _(110).
Superscript	^ For a single-digit superscript: Follow the caret symbol with the number. For example, ^4 For two or more digits in a superscript: Follow the caret symbol with the digits in parentheses, such as ^(12).
Positive or negative charge	To indicate a POSITIVE ion: Enter the plus sign (+) after the caret (for superscript). For example, to represent a hydrogen atom missing its electron (H+), type H^+. To indicate a NEGATIVE ion: Enter a minus sign (-) after the caret (for superscript). For example, to represent a cobalt atom with two extra electrons (Co^2-), type Co^ (2-). For an ionic molecule or formula: The superscript indicating the charge must come at the very END of the molecular formula. For example, to represent carbonate CO₃^2-, type CO_3^(2).
Atomic number (presuperscript) and mass number (presubscript)	To represent , type either _Z^AX or ^A_ZX. Although the position of the presubscript and presuperscript is graded for accuracy, you are not graded on the order in which you enter these.
Reaction arrow	> (greater than sign)