Chapter 10, Problem 97A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The relation between the empirical formula and molecular formula of a compound needs to be explained.

Concept Introduction: For any compound, the empirical formula shows the simplest ratio of atoms of different elements present in the compound. On the other hand, the molecular formula shows the actual number of atoms of elements present in the compound.

Explanation of Solution

For any compound, the empirical formula gives the simplest ratio of the number of moles of atoms of different elements present in the compound. On the other hand, the molecular formula gives the exact number of moles of each element present in the compound. The molecular formula and empirical formula of any compound are differed by a factor. A compound can have the same empirical and molecular formula. If the empirical formula and molar mass of a compound is known its molecular formula can be simply calculated by calculating the empirical mass and thus, the factor by which it is less than molecular mass.

For example, the empirical formula of hydrogen peroxide is HO but its molecular formula is ${\text{H}}_{\text{2}}{\text{O}}_{\text{2}}$ . Here, both differ by a factor of 2. The empirical and molecular formula of carbon monoxide is the same that is CO.