How do you identify the chemical formula?

A chemical formula represents the atoms and the ratios by which they combine together in a compound or molecule.

So, in order to identify a chemical formula;

One must be familiar with the periodic table of elements where all the symbols of the elements are given. An idea of the combining power and their valency is also very important.

The valency is a good indicator of the combining power of every atom in forming a compound.

Most often times,

NaOH is the symbol of sodium hydroxide containing:

Na Sodium

O Oxygen

H Hydrogen

Several other compounds have formula more complicated or less complicated than this.