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Chapter 2: Problem 48

Two substances have the same molecular and empirical formulas. Does this mean that they must be the same compound?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Yes, if two substances have the same molecular and empirical formulas, they must be the same compound. This is because the molecular formula shows the actual number of atoms of each element present in a molecule, and the empirical formula shows the simplest whole number ratio of the atoms of each element. If both formulas are the same for both substances, it indicates that they have the same atoms in the same proportion, making them the same compound.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding molecular and empirical formulas

Molecular formula shows the actual number of atoms of each element present in a molecule of a compound. Empirical formula, on the other hand, shows the simplest whole number ratio of the atoms of each element present in a molecule.
02

Comparing similarities between molecular and empirical formulas

When comparing molecular and empirical formulas, it's crucial to determine if their composition is similar. If two substances have the same molecular formula, it suggests that they consist of the same elements in the same proportion and the same number of atoms. Additionally, having the same empirical formula implies that both compounds have the same simplest whole number ratios of the elements present.
03

Analyzing if the same molecular and empirical formulas can indicate the same compound

Since two substances with the same molecular formula have the same atoms in the same proportion, this means that they are the same compound. Furthermore, having the same empirical formula supports this conclusion, as it indicates the simplest whole number ratio of atoms in both compounds is the same. Thus, if two substances have the same molecular and empirical formulas, they must be the same compound.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Name the following ionic compounds: (a) \(\mathrm{KCN},(\mathbf{b})\mathrm{NaBrO}_{2}\) \((\mathbf{c}) \operatorname{Sr}(\mathrm{OH})_{2}, \quad(\mathbf{d}) \quad\) CoTe (e) \(\mathrm{Fe}_{2}\left(\mathrm{CO}_{3}\right)_{3}, \quad(\mathbf{f}) \quad \mathrm{Cr}\left(\mathrm{NO}_{3}\right)_{3}$$(\mathrm{g})\left(\mathrm{NH}_{4}\right)_{2} \mathrm{SO}_{3},(\mathbf{h}) \mathrm{NaH}_{2} \mathrm{PO}_{4}$$(\mathbf{i}) \mathrm{KMnO}_{4},(\mathrm{i}) \mathrm{Ag}_{2} \mathrm{Cr}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{7}\)

(a) What is a functional group? (b) What functional group characterizes an alcohol? (c) Write a structural formula for 1 -pentanol, the alcohol derived from pentane by making a substitution on one of the carbon atoms.

Determine the molecular and empirical formulas of the following: (a) the organic solvent benzene, which has six carbon atoms and six hydrogen atoms; (b) the compound silicon tetrachloride, which has a silicon atom and four chlorine atoms and is used in the manufacture of computer chips; (c) the reactive substance diborane, which has two boron atoms and six hydrogen atoms; (d) the sugar called glucose, which has six carbon atoms, twelve hydrogen atoms, and six oxygen atoms.

Each of the following isotopes is used in medicine. Indicate the number of protons and neutrons in each isotope: (a) phosphorus-32,(b) chromium-51, (c) cobalt--60, (d) technetium-99, (e) iodine-131, (f) thallium-201.

Using the periodic table, predict the charges of the ions of the following elements: (a) Ga, (b) Sr, (c) As, (d) Br, (e) Se.
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