Question

What is the difference between an empirical formula and a molecular formula?

Short answer

The difference is the information they give about a compound. Empirical formula provides the simplest whole number ratio of atoms, while molecular formula shows the exact number and arrangement of atoms.

Step-by-step solution

Define Empirical Formula

An empirical formula shows the simplest whole number ratio of atoms in a compound.

Define Molecular Formula

A molecular formula shows the actual number of atoms of each element in a molecule.

Delineate The Differences

The main difference between them lies in the information they communicate about a chemical compound. An empirical formula only provides the proportionate ratios of elements present, without revealing the actual numbers or arrangement of atoms, while a molecular formula elucidates the exact number and arrangement of atoms in a single molecule of the compound.