Textbook Question
Write the empirical formula corresponding to each of the following molecular formulas: (a) Al2Br6
Ch.2 - Atoms, Molecules, and Ions
Chapter 2, Problem 49d,e,f
Write the empirical formula corresponding to each of the following molecular formulas: (d) P4O10 (e) C6H4Cl2 (f) B3N3H6.
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the subscripts in the molecular formula C_6H_4Cl_2, which are 6 for carbon (C), 4 for hydrogen (H), and 2 for chlorine (Cl).
Find the greatest common divisor (GCD) of the subscripts 6, 4, and 2. The GCD is 2.
Divide each subscript in the molecular formula by the GCD. This gives: C: 6/2 = 3, H: 4/2 = 2, Cl: 2/2 = 1.
Write the empirical formula using the simplified subscripts: C_3H_2Cl.
The empirical formula is the simplest whole number ratio of atoms in the compound, which is C_3H_2Cl.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Empirical Formula
The empirical formula of a compound represents the simplest whole-number ratio of the elements present in that compound. It does not provide information about the actual number of atoms in a molecule but rather the relative proportions of each element. For example, the empirical formula for glucose (C6H12O6) is CH2O, indicating a 1:2:1 ratio of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.
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02:26
Empirical vs Molecular Formula
Molecular Formula
The molecular formula of a compound indicates the actual number of each type of atom in a molecule. It provides more specific information than the empirical formula, as it reflects the true composition of the substance. For instance, the molecular formula C6H4Cl2 shows that there are six carbon atoms, four hydrogen atoms, and two chlorine atoms in each molecule of the compound.
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02:08Determining Molecular Formulas
Reduction of Ratios
To derive the empirical formula from a molecular formula, one must reduce the ratios of the elements to their simplest form. This involves dividing the number of atoms of each element by their greatest common divisor. In the case of C6H4Cl2, the ratio of carbon to hydrogen to chlorine is already in its simplest form, leading to the empirical formula C3H2Cl.
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02:14Neutron-Proton Ratio
Related Practice
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Textbook Question
How many hydrogen atoms are in each of the following: (a) C2H5OH? (b) Ca(C2H5COO)2? (c) (NH4)3PO4?