Empirical and Molecular Formulae

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Empirical and Molecular Formulae

Definitions

The empirical formula of a compound shows the simplest whole-number ratio of the elements present.

The molecular formula shows the total number of atoms of each element present in a molecule of a compound.

Example:

hexane: C6H14

  • Empirical Formula: C3H7
  • Molecular Formula: C6H14
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