Write Atomic Symbols in MS Word: Super/Sub Scripts?

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    Atomic Symbols
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around how to write atomic symbols in Microsoft Word, specifically focusing on the formatting of mass numbers and atomic numbers using superscripts and subscripts. The context is primarily related to completing chemistry homework.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the possibility of writing mass numbers over atomic numbers using both superscript and subscript in Microsoft Word.
  • Another participant suggests importing images as a workaround for formatting issues, providing an example of how to represent atomic symbols using text formatting.
  • A different participant recommends using the Microsoft Equation Editor as a solution for formatting atomic symbols correctly.
  • Further clarification is provided regarding the location of the Equation Editor in different versions of Word, indicating that the method may vary between Word XP and Word 2000.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present multiple approaches to the problem, with no consensus on a single solution. Suggestions include using images and the Equation Editor, indicating a variety of opinions on the best method.

Contextual Notes

Some limitations may exist regarding the functionality of basic text formatting in Word for this specific task, as well as potential issues with color inversion when copying images.

Karen
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I am trying to complete some chem homework in microsoft word, but I need to write the atomic symbols. Is there any way I can write the mass number over the atomic number. Can I use sub and super script at the same time in the same place?
 
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I don't know if you can do it in terms of basic text in Word but you could import some images.

You can copy/paste them from here (Not sure if it will work though because of the anti-aliasing)--Although I don't think PF has any problem with you copying/pasting images, please don't hotlink the image onto another website.

^{14}_{6}C

Or if you want to remove the italics:

^{14}_{6}\textrm{C}

Edit: I just tried it and for some reason Word inverts the colors.
 
Last edited:
Microsoft equation editor ought to do the job for you.

Tools-> insert -> Microsoft Equation editor 3
 
Integral said:
Microsoft equation editor ought to do the job for you.

Tools-> insert -> Microsoft Equation editor 3
Wow I never even knew that existed.

By the way, I guess tools/insert is for Word XP. For 2000, it's Insert/Object/[Create New]-Microsoft Equation Editor 3.0
 

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