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Consider the symbol subscript b superscript a baseline upper x where x stands for the chemical symbol for an element. what information is given by a and b?

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MissPhiladelphia
Based on typical convention used in periodic tables, the superscript,a, located at the top of the element refers to its atomic number. The atomic number gives the number of protons of the element. On the other hand, the subscript, b, or the one on the bottom of the element gives its atomic mass. The atomic mass is approximately equal to the number of protons and neutrons in the atom of the element. 

Explanation:

According to the periodic table chart, symbol of an element resides at the center of each box.

And, a number at the bottom of each symbol represents the atomic number of the respective element.

Whereas a number at the top of each symbol represents the atomic mass of the respective element.

For example, sodium is represented as [tex]_{11}Na^{23}[/tex] in the periodic table. Hence, atomic number of sodium is 11 and its atomic mass is 23 g/mol.

Thus, we can conclude that subscript "b" shows atomic number and superscript "a" shows atomic mass.