Question

What does the empirical formula of a compound describe?

Answer 1

It describes the true ratio of atoms in a formula unit. An empirical formula is a formula that gives the proportions of the elements present in a certain compound however it does not give the actual numbers or the arrangement of the atoms.

Answer 2

Answer and explanation;

• Empirical formulas, are the simplest types of chemical formulas that indicate the ratio of each element in the molecule.
• The empirical formula shows or describes the simplest whole number ratio of all the atoms present in a molecule.
• For example the empirical formula of glucose is CH2O,while the molecular formula is C6H12O6.
• Empirical formula is converted to molecular formula by multiplying it with a whole number.