the square root of a negative value is called an imaginary or number
Imaginary number An imaginary number[note 1] is a complex number that can be written as a real number multiplied by the imaginary unit i,[note 2] which is defined by its property i2 = −1.[1] The square of an imaginary number bi is −b2. For example, 5i is an imaginary number, and its square is −25. Zero is considered to be both real and imaginary.[2]
Defining equation (physical chemistry) Conventionally for concentrations and activities, square brackets [ ] are used around the chemical molecular formula. For an arbitrary atom, generic letters in upright non-bold typeface such as A, B, R, X or Y etc. are often used.