Chapter 6.3, Problem 2RQ

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The reason for the subscript presents in a chemical formula in terms of whole number should be predicted.

Concept Introduction:

The representation of atoms of a compound in simple whole number ratio is known as empirical formula.

Chemical formula or molecular formula represents the type of atoms and number of atoms present in a molecule using numerical subscripts and atomic symbol.

Explanation of Solution

The indication of number of atoms present in a given molecule is always given by whole numbers instead of fraction because that would be not the real formula instead of that it will be defined as the pseudo formula. For example, NO₂ means there is one nitrogen atom and two oxygen atoms which is physically possible too. On the other hand, a compound having chemical formula NO_2.5means that there is one nitrogen atom and two and a half oxygen atoms which is physically impossible. Thus, whole number is used instead of using a fraction while writing a whole number.