Final answer:
The correct format used when writing the chemical formula of a substance includes the ratio of elements in the compound and the number of atoms for each element.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct format used when writing the chemical formula of a substance includes:
- The ratio of elements in the compound: The chemical formula represents the relative number of atoms of each element in the compound. For example, H2O represents two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom.
- The number of atoms for each element: The chemical formula shows how many atoms of each element are present in the compound. For example, FeS represents one iron atom and one sulfur atom.
The charge of each ion in the compound and the molecular structure of the compound are not part of the chemical formula.