Question

Reduce the following molecular formulas to empirical formulas. Please help!

Answer 1

This is done by reducing each number by a common factor for each formula.

C3H6O6- all can be divided by 3 -> CH3O3 (you don't have to put a 1 for C, only if your teacher requests it. It is generally understood if not written)

H2O2- all can be divided by 2 -> H1O1 (had to put the 1's bc of the unintended language) 

C8H8S2- all can be divided by 2 -> C4H4S 

P5O15- all can be divided by 5- PO3

*****it is important to note that all numbers in the molecular formula are divided by the same thing to reduce them. decimals are never used in empirical formulas, only whole numbers.*****