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Are empirical and molecular formulas the same?

1 Answer

Jul 24, 2016

In some cases yes, the Empirical Formula and Molecular Formulas can be the same.

Explanation:

The Empirical Formula is the lowest whole number ratio of atoms that form the formula of a molecule.

$C O_{2}$ $CO_2$ $1 : 2$ $1:2$
$H_{2} O$ $H_2O$ $2 : 1$ $2:1$
$C H_{4}$ $CH_4$ $1 : 4$ $1:4$
$C_{1} H_{2} O_{1}$ $C_1H_2O_1$ $1 : 2 : 1$ $1:2:1$

The Molecular Formula is that actual numbers of atoms that make up the molecule.

$C O_{2}$ $CO_2$ $1 : 2$ $1:2$
$H_{2} O$ $H_2O$ $2 : 1$ $2:1$
$C 2 H_{8}$ $C2H_8$ $1 : 4$ $1:4$
$C_{6} H_{12} O_{6}$ $C_6H_12O_6$ $1 : 2 : 1$ $1:2:1$

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