Empirical and Chemical Formula

[806021969]

Hi, so my biggest concern is just remembering how to distinguish between an empirical and molecular formula when solving a problem. I know that the empirical formula is a simplified version of the molecular formula and with that being said, when you are simplifying the formula can there be decimals included or can you only simplify it as long as its a whole number in the chemical formula. I hope this makes sense and thank you!

[106046096]

Hi! For an empirical formula, you can only simplify it as long as there are whole numbers in the subscripts of the chemical formula. There should be no decimals in the subscripts.