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Simple Explanation:
The empirical formula of a compound represents the simplest whole-number ratio of the atoms of each element in the compound.
They are often used to determine the basic ratio of elements, especially when analyzing unknown substances.
Empirical Formula Examples
C₆H₁₂O₆ can be simplified to CH₂O
H₂O₂ can be simplified to HO
C₂H₆ can be simplified to CH₃
C₆H₁₄ can be simplified to C₃H₇
Finding Empirical Formulas
To figure out the empirical formula of a sample solely based on their elemental composition percentages, we set the percentages of the elements to grams and then convert the values to moles with their respective molar masses. Then, we divide the mole values by the lowest mole value to determine the ratio between the elements.
To find the compound's molecular formula from its molar mass and empirical formula, we divide the molar mass of the compound by the molar mass of the empirical formula to find out how much the molar mass of the compound is multiplied. We then multiply that value with the subscripts of the empirical formula to determine the actual molecular formula.
Video with Examples:
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