Empirical and Molecular Formulas [ENDORSED]

[RichardValdez1L]

Similar to the end of the test from last week, to determine the molecular formula we count all of the elements and for the empirical formula we ALWAYS simplify when possible ?

[Tiffany Chen 1A]

Yup! The molecular formula tells you the actual number of atoms for each element, so you could just count them all up when given a diagram of a molecule. Then, like you said, you can simply the molecular formula to get the empirical formula (unless you can't simplify, then the molecular and empirical formulas are the same).

[Alondra Juarez section 1E]

Yes as I remember we were given the figure of the atoms themselves and in order to fine the formula we were to count each of the elements given and that would give us the molecular formula.

[Harmonie Ahuna-1C]

Yeah this is correct. For the molecular formula because it's the "actual" number of atoms all we had to do was count them and for the empirical formula, because it's the "relative" number of atoms per element, we could use the molecular formula we to find the ratio for the amount of each element, to simplify.

[Anthony Mercado 1K]

So, in terms of the molecular and empirical formulas being the same, when no simplification can be done, how can we be aware of this occurring in a problem (ie. knowing beforehand if they'll be the same or not) without a diagram?