Understanding Molecular and Empirical Formulas

What does a molecular formula represent?

• The type and number of atoms in a molecule

• The simplest ratio of atoms in a compound

• The percentage composition of a compound

• The mass of a compound

How is the empirical formula of glucose derived from its molecular formula?

• By simplifying the ratio of atoms

• By multiplying the number of atoms

• By changing the type of atoms

• By adding the number of atoms

What is the empirical formula of glucose?

• C3H6O3

• C6H12O6

• C2H4O2

• C1H2O1

What is the empirical formula for a compound with 4 phosphorus and 10 oxygen atoms?

• PO2

• P3O6

• P4O10

• P2O5

What is the first step in calculating an empirical formula from mass composition?

• Calculate the percentage composition

• Find the molecular formula

• Determine the type of atoms

• Convert mass to moles