Empirical and Molecular Formulas

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to empirical and molecular formulas, mass percent, and related chemical equations.

Empirical Formula

A chemical formula wherein the subscripts represent the lowest whole number ratio of different atoms.

Molecular Formula

A chemical formula that shows the exact number of each type of atom in a molecule.

Mass Percent

The percentage by mass of each element in a compound, used to determine empirical formulas.

Percent Composition

The relative amount of each element in a compound, expressed as a percentage of the total mass.

Molar Mass

The mass of one mole of a substance, typically expressed in grams per mole.

Pseudo Formula

A preliminary formula that has not yet been reduced to its simplest whole number ratio.

Balancing Equation

A process in chemical reactions where the number of atoms for each element is made equal on both sides.

Stoichiometric Ratio

The ratio of the coefficients of reactants and products in a balanced chemical equation.

Limiting Reactant

The reactant that is fully consumed first in a chemical reaction, limiting the amount of product formed.

Combustion Reaction

A type of chemical reaction that occurs when a hydrocarbon reacts with oxygen, producing carbon dioxide and water.