Chapter 10, Problem 1AC

To determine

To complete: From the following options, an empirical formula does not:

identify elements in a compound.

identify actual numbers of atoms in a molecule.

provide the simplest whole number ratio of atoms ofelements with subscripts.

provide the formula for an ionic compound.

Answer to Problem 1AC

Solution:

Option (b) is correct.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

There are a number of compounds in this world. In order to simplify the name of each compound a short term formula is given to each element or ion. It is of three types: Structural formula, empirical formula and molecular formula.

Explanation:

Reason for the correct option:

A formula which contains the elements in the simplest ratio is called an empirical formula. It identifies the elements in a compound. It represents the simplest whole number ratio of atoms of elements with subscripts. It also provides the formula of an ionic compound. The actual number of atoms present in a compound is given by molecular formula not empirical formula.

Hence, option (b) is correct.

Reason for the incorrect options:

Option (a) is incorrect becauseempirical formula identifies the elements present in a compound. For example: The empirical formula of ethanol is ${\text{CH}}_2\text{O}$. It shows that it contains carbon, hydrogen and oxygen atoms in it. So it is a wrong answer.

Option (c) is incorrect because it gives the simplest whole number of atoms of a compound. The empirical formula of ethanol is ${\text{CH}}_2\text{O}$. So it is a wrong answer.

Option (d) is incorrect because it provides the formula of ionic compound. So it is a wrong answer.

Hence, options (a), (c) and (d) are incorrect.

Conclusion:

The empirical formula does not identify the actual numbers of atoms in a molecule.