What are the rules for writing a formula of a compound?

Solution
The rules for writing a chemical formula are as follows:

1. Write the symbol of the element / ion which combine to form molecule of the
compound.
2. If a compound contains a metal and non-metal, the symbol of metal is written first
followed by that of non-metal.
3. Balance the charge/valency on an ion.
4. Polyatomic ion must be written in bracket.
5. If polyatomic ion is one then bracket is not required.

Example:
How to write chemical formula of water?

a. Water is contains the element of hydrogen and oxygen.

Firstly, we will write symbols of hydrogen and oxygen.

H O

a. Write the valency of each element.

HO
12

a. Write the valencies of the element as subscript by interchanging.

H2 O1

a. The formula of water is written as H2O.