Concept explainers
Interpretation :
The difference between the molecular formula of a compound and the empirical formula must be explained. Whether a compound’s empirical formula and molecular formula can be same or not must also be explained.
Concept Introduction :
Empirical formula of a molecule is the smallest unit which is repeated in the molecule.
Molecular formula of a compound is the representation of the molecule with the number of different atoms present in the molecule.
Molecular formula
Explanation of Solution
The molecular formula can be found from the empirical formula using the following relationship.
Molecular formula
Now when n=1, then molecular formula will be same as empirical formula.
For example formaldehyde has empirical formula as CH2O which is also the molecular formula.
Molecular formula is just the multiple of empirical formula and these two might be same for some compound.
Chapter 6 Solutions
World of Chemistry, 3rd edition
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