Question

Describe the following:
The difference between empirical and molecular formula and the relationship between them.

Answer 1

There are two types of formulas that represent the number of atoms in a molecule and they are empirical formula and molecular formula. Both are not the same. Each one has its own importance.

Complete answer:
- In the question it is given to describe the difference between empirical and molecular formula and the relationship between them.
- Differences between empirical and molecular formulas are as follows.

S.NO	Empirical formula	Molecular formula
1	It is the simplest form to express the composition of the compound.	It is the original representation of the elemental composition of the compound.
2.	It is derived initially from the weight percentage of the elements which are present in the compound.	It is related to total weight of the compound and derived after the empirical formula.
3.	It contains the simplified ratio of the number of moles of the elements of the compound.	It is a multiple of empirical formula.
4.	It is not used in chemical reactions.	It is commonly used in chemical reactions.

- The relationship between empirical formula and molecular formula is as follows.
Molecular formula = n (empirical formula)
Where n = integer and might be equal to 1.

Note: For suppose the molecular formula of glucose is ${{C}_{6}}{{H}_{12}}{{O}_{6}}$ . The empirical formula of glucose is $C{{H}_{2}}O$ . The relationship between empirical formula and molecular formula of glucose is as follows. Then the molecular formula of glucose = 6 (Empirical formula) ${{C}_{6}}{{H}_{12}}{{O}_{6}}=6(C{{H}_{2}}O)$. In case of glucose n = 6.