Empirical and Molecular Formulas
The empirical formula is a formula for substance which indicates the relative number of atoms of each element in the substance. (Empirical formula is lowest ratio of atoms in molecule)
A molecular formula is a formula for substance which indicates the actual number of atoms of each element in a molecule of the substance.
Examples:
|
Substance |
Empirical Formula | Molecular Formula |
| ethylene | CH2 | C2H4 |
| benzene | CH | C6H6 |
| ammonia | NH3 | NH3 |
The molecular formula is a whole number multiple (1, 2, 3, 4, etc.) of the empirical formula.