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Chapter 7: Problem 3

Why is the ratio between the empirical formula and the molecular formula a whole number?

Short Answer

Expert verified
The ratio between empirical and molecular formula is a whole number because the molecular formula is made up of integer multiples of the empirical formula.

Step by step solution

01

Define Empirical and Molecular Formula

Empirical formula is the simplest whole number expression of a compound whereas the molecular formula gives the actual number of atoms of each element in a molecule of the compound.
02

Describe Relationship

Molecular formula is a multiple of the empirical formula. This is because a molecular formula could represent multiple molecules of the empirical formula.
03

Explain Ratio Nature

The ratio between the empirical formula and the molecular formula is therefore always a whole number because the molecular formula is composed of integer multiples of the empirical formula.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Determine the percentage composition of the following compounds: a. ammonium nitrate, NH \(_{4} \mathrm{NO}_{3},\) a common fertilizer b. tin(IV) oxide, SnO \(_{2},\) an ingredient in fingernail polish

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When you calculate the percentage composition of a compound from both the empirical formula and the molecular formula, why are the two results identical?

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