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.

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