How does empirical formula differ from molecular?

1 Answer
laurengb1908
Mar 14, 2018

An empirical formula gives the simplest and most reduced whole number ratio of atoms whereas a molecular formula gives the actual ratio of atoms in a compound.

Explanation:

For example, the molecular formula of glucose is #C_6H_12O_6#, and the empirical formula of glucose is #CH_2O#.

As you can see, the empirical formula is the simplified ratio of the molecular formula whereas the molecular formula isn't simplified at all.

Related questions
See all questions in Empirical and Molecular Formulas
Impact of this question
5815 views around the world
You can reuse this answer
Creative Commons License