Explain why the chemical formula for calcium hydroxide, Ca (OH) 2 is not written as CaO2H2

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Chemistry

Ryann Harmon

26 July, 22:28

Explain why the chemical formula for calcium hydroxide, Ca (OH) 2 is not written as CaO2H2

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The formula CaO₂H₂ correctly gives the relative number of each type of atom in the compound.

But the OH group usually behaves as a unit. It doesn't fall apart.

So chemists have agreed to write the OH group as a unit: Ca (OH) ₂.

This shows that there are 1 Ca atom and 2 OH groups in a formula unit of calcium hydroxide.