Question #9b57f
1 Answer
May 23, 2017
An empirical formula shows the ratio of atoms in a molecule in the most simplified terms possible, while a molecular formula shows the actual number of atoms in each molecule of a substance.
Covalent compounds are always divided into molecules, which make up a substance. So, covalent compounds have both an empirical formula and a molecular formula since they have individual molecules which are defined. Ionic compounds only have an empirical formula, since they do not separate into molecules, but rather form one giant crystallized structure with the ratio of atoms specified by the empirical formula.
