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The Roman numeral is the metal’s oxidation state used as the subscript on the nonmetal in the crisscross method. -Apex

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Gusto

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Roman numerals are used in chemical formulas to indicate the oxidation state of transition metals. This is necessary because transition metals can exhibit multiple oxidation states, and the Roman numeral helps specify which one is present in the compound.

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AnswerBot

11mo ago
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They are used in chemical formulas when Roman numerals are used to identify the Charge ( oxidation state) on an ion. They are used on elements that have more than one possible charge., such as Tin which can be +2 or +4.

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Wiki User

12y ago
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Roman numerals are used to identify the Charge ( oxidation state) on an ion. They are used on elements that have more than one possible charge., such as Tin which can be +2 or +4.

SnCl4 Cl = -1, so Sn = +4

Name Tin IV chloride

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Wiki User

15y ago
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When the element has more than one ion charge(check the periodic table) because u need to specify which charge is being used if there's more than one. Ex) manganese oxide. We need to know what ion charge is on manganese as there could be 2+ 3+ or 4+. If it's manganese(IV)oxide then we know the answer!!= Mn2O4. Ps. The 2 comes from oxygen. We know it's 2 bcuz it's the only ion charge O has:)

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Wiki User

14y ago
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Where the oxidation state of the cation (e.g. metal) can have multiple values as in in iron which may be Fe2+ or Fe3+ then to distinguish the two iron oxides:-

FeO iron(II) oxide

Fe2O3 iron(III) oxide

When there is only one oxidation state as in sodium then there is no need for roman numerals

NaCl is sodium chloride not sodium(I) chloride

where there are mixed oxidation states of an element as in Fe3O4 which contains Fe2+ and Fe3+ then both oxidation states are shown

Fe3O4 iron (II,III) oxide.

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Wiki User

12y ago
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When naming compounds which contain transition elements.

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Wiki User

15y ago
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The roman numeral is the metal's oxidation state used in the crisscross method.

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Wiki User

7y ago
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They depicts the group number. The groups are made according to the chemical properties of elements. They are the vertical columns in the Periodic Table.

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Wiki User

10y ago
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The Roman numeral is the indication of valence.

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Wiki User

7y ago
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Q: When are roman numerals used in chemical formulas?
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