What is the difference between the empirical formula and molecular formula?

Both empirical and molecular formula give information about what different elements make up a compound. The empirical formula shows the simplest whole number ratio of the number of atoms of different elements present in a compound. However, the molecular formula shows the total number of atoms of each elements in a compound.
For example, the alkane butane has a molecular formula of C4H10. One molecule of Butane contains 4 Carbon atoms and 10 Hydrogen atoms. However, the empirical formula of Butane is C2H5. The simplest whole number ratio between the ratio 4:10 is 2:5.Sometimes, for certain molecules, the molecular formula may also be the same formula as the empirical formula. Taking water as an example which has a molecular formula of H2O. The simplest whole number ratio of the number of atoms of different elements in one molecule of water is still 2:1.

AV

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Why can graphite conduct electricity?


An isotope of Nitrogen has an atomic number of 7 and a mass number of 15. How many electrons, neutrons, and protons does an atom of this isotope have?


Explain the significance of atomic number and mass number in determining atomic properties. Which of these changes in isotopes?


If 350g of NaCl is dissolved in water to a final volume of 3dm . Calculate the concentration of the solution.