Empirical and Molecular Formula Masses

[Clara Cho 2K]

If the molecular mass of the empirical formula of a molecule is larger than the given mass of the molecular formula, is the empirical formula incorrect?

[Nicholas Chin 1G]

If the given mass of the molecular formula is the g/mol, yes the empirical formula is wrong.

[Brandon Valafar]

Yes. The Empirical Formula mass can be equal to or less than the Molecular Formula mass, but not greater than.

[Hannah Romano 4D]

The mass of the molecular formula can ONLY be greater than or equal to the mass of the empirical formula, never less than it. This is because the empirical formula is the smallest possible ratio of the molecule in question. The molecular formula is any whole number multiple of this empirical ratio including a multiple of 1. Because of this, the molecular formula can only have a greater than or equal to mass to the empirical formula.

[605110118]

In terms of finding the Empirical formula, you wouldn't need molar mass to solve that problem right?

[MaggieHan1L]

Empirical formula is the lowest ratio so molecular formula should not be greater than the empirical.