Empirical and Molecular Formula ( Chemistry)

Empirical Formula: 

The empirical formula is also known as the simplest formula. The empirical formula is the ratio of elements present in the compound.

Molecular Formula:

The molecular formula is the number and type of atoms that are present in a single molecule of a substance.


Example:

The molecular formula of glucose is: C6H12O6. One molecule of glucose contains 6 atoms of carbon, 12 atoms of hydrogen and 6 atoms of oxygen.

If you can divide all of the numbers in molecular formula by some value to simplify them further, then the empirical or simple formula will be different from the molecular formula. The empirical formula for glucose is CH2O. Glucose has 2 moles of hydrogen for every mole of carbon and oxygen.

Water Molecular Formula: H2O
Water Empirical Formula: H2O

In the case of water, the molecular formula and empirical formula are the same.

Learn how to find Empirical and Molecular Formula from Percent Composition.