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Chapter 2: Problem 40

Define molecular formula and empirical formula. What are the similarities and differences between the empirical formula and molecular formula of a compound?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Molecular formula defines the actual number of atoms of each element in one molecule of the compound, while the empirical formula defines the lowest whole number ratio of these atoms. They may be the same for some compounds, but in others, the molecular formula can be a multiple of the empirical formula.

Step by step solution

01

Definition of Molecular Formula

The molecular formula of a compound is a representation that specifies the actual number of atoms of each element in one molecule of the compound. For example, the molecular formula for glucose is \(C_6H_{12}O_6\), indicating 6 Carbon atoms, 12 Hydrogen atoms, and 6 Oxygen atoms in one molecule of glucose.
02

Definition of Empirical Formula

The empirical formula of a compound is a representation that shows the ratio of atoms of each element present in the compound. The empirical formula is obtained by reducing the number of atoms of each element in the molecular formula to the lowest possible whole numbers. For example, the empirical formula for glucose is \(CH_2O\), indicating a 1:2:1 ratio of Carbon to Hydrogen to Oxygen.
03

Comparing and Contrasting Empirical and Molecular Formulas

The empirical and molecular formulas both provide information about the elements present in a compound. However, while the molecular formula gives the actual number of atoms of each element in a single molecule of the compound, the empirical formula only provides the lowest whole number ratio of these atoms. For some compounds, the empirical formula and molecular formula may be the same (like \(H_2O\) for water), but for others, the molecular formula is a multiple of the empirical formula (like \(C_6H_{12}O_6\) versus \(CH_2O\) for glucose).

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Most popular questions from this chapter

One isotope of a nonmetallic element has mass number 77 and 43 neutrons in the nucleus. The anion derived from the isotope has 36 electrons. Write the symbol for this anion.

Give two examples of each of the following: (a) a diatomic molecule containing atoms of the same element, (b) a diatomic molecule containing atoms of different elements, (c) a polyatomic molecule containing atoms of the same element, (d) a polyatomic molecule containing atoms of different elements.

What is the difference between an atom and a molecule?

Element X reacts with element Y to form an ionic compound containing \(\mathrm{X}^{4+}\) and \(\mathrm{Y}^{2-}\) ions. Write a formula for the compound and suggest in which periodic groups these elements are likely to be found. Name a representative compound.

What do we call atoms of the same elements with different mass numbers?
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