Question

Question:What is the difference between the empirical and molecular formulas of a compound? Can theyever be the same? Explain.

Short answer

Answer

The empirical and molecular formula can be same. The simplest whole number ratio for various atom types in a compound called empirical ratio whereas the whole number ratio for various atom types in a compound called molecular formula.

Step-by-step solution

Definition of empirical formula and molecular formula

The simplest whole number ratio for various atom types in a compound called empirical ratio whereas the whole number ratio for various atom types in a compound called molecular formula.

Formula for empirical formula and molecular formula

The formula can be denoted as,

$\text{Molecular} \text{Formula} = (\text{Empirical} \text{Formula}{)}_n$

Here, n is integer.

Empirical formula and molecular formula are same

The empirical and molecular formula can be same when the empirical formula’s mass can be equal to the molar mass of compound. Example Water (H₂O).