Empirical and molecular formula

What is an empirical formula?

An empirical formula represents the simplest whole-number ratio of the elements in a compound.

How do you find an empirical formula from a molecular formula?

To find the empirical formula, divide the subscripts in the molecular formula by their greatest common divisor.

What is the empirical formula for C6H12O6?

The empirical formula is CH2O.

If the molecular formula of a compound is C8H10, what is the empirical formula?

The empirical formula is C4H5.

What information is needed to calculate the empirical formula of a compound?

You need the mass or percentage composition of each element in the compound.

How can you determine the empirical formula from experimental data?

Convert the masses or percentages of elements to moles, then find the smallest mole ratio.

If a compound has a molecular formula of C6H12 and an empirical formula of CH2, how do you find its molecular weight?

Calculate the molecular weight by multiplying the empirical formula weight by the factor (n) that gives the molecular formula.

What is the empirical formula for a substance containing 40% sulfur and 60% oxygen?

The empirical formula is SO3.

Why is the empirical formula not always unique?

Because multiple compounds can have the same empirical formula, differing in molecular structure and properties.

A compound has a molecular formula of C10H20. What is its empirical formula?

The empirical formula is C5H10.