Empirical and Molecular Formulas

Front

What is the empirical formula of a compound?

Back

The empirical formula is the simplest whole-number ratio of atoms of each element in a compound.

Front

How do you determine the number of carbon atoms in a molecular formula?

Back

Count the subscript number next to the carbon 'C' in the molecular formula.

Front

What is a molecular formula?

Back

A molecular formula shows the actual number and kinds of atoms present in one molecule of a compound.

Front

What does a subscript in a chemical formula indicate?

Back

A subscript indicates the number of atoms of the element it follows.

Front

Provide an example of a molecular formula.

Back

C6H12O6 (glucose) is an example of a molecular formula.

Front

What is the difference between empirical and molecular formulas?

Back

The empirical formula shows the simplest ratio of elements, while the molecular formula shows the actual number of atoms in a molecule.

Front

What is the empirical formula for C6H12?

Back

The empirical formula is CH2.

Front

How can you convert a molecular formula to an empirical formula?

Back

Divide the subscripts in the molecular formula by their greatest common divisor.

Front

What is the significance of the molecular formula C12H24O2?

Back

It indicates that the compound contains 12 carbon atoms, 24 hydrogen atoms, and 2 oxygen atoms.

Front

What is the empirical formula for the compound C18H36?

Back

The empirical formula is C9H18.