What does the empirical formula of a compound describe?

1 Answer
anor277
Dec 22, 2016

The empirical formula is the simplest whole number ratio defining constituent atoms in a species.............

Explanation:

See here, and here, and here.

Most of the time, you are given #"% carbon"#, #"% hydrogen"#, and #"% nitrogen"#. If these percentages do NOT sum to #100%# you assume that the balance is #"oxygen"#.

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