Textbook Question
Write the empirical formula corresponding to each of the following molecular formulas: (c) C4H8O2
Ch.2 - Atoms, Molecules, and Ions
Chapter 2, Problem 50b
Determine the molecular and empirical formulas of the following: (b) the compound silicon tetrachloride, which has a silicon atom and four chlorine atoms and is used in the manufacture of computer chips
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: The molecular formula of a compound represents the actual number of atoms of each element in a molecule of the compound. In the case of silicon tetrachloride, there is one silicon atom and four chlorine atoms. Therefore, the molecular formula is SiCl4.
Step 2: The empirical formula of a compound represents the simplest whole number ratio of the atoms of each element in the compound. In the case of silicon tetrachloride, the ratio of silicon to chlorine atoms is 1:4, which is already in its simplest whole number form.
Step 3: Therefore, the empirical formula is also SiCl4. This means that the molecular and empirical formulas of silicon tetrachloride are the same.
Step 4: It's important to note that while the molecular and empirical formulas can be the same, they aren't always. For example, the molecular formula for glucose is C6H12O6, but its empirical formula is CH2O, which is the simplest whole number ratio of its atoms.
Step 5: In summary, to determine the molecular and empirical formulas, you need to know the number of atoms of each element in the compound and then express these numbers in their simplest whole number ratio for the empirical formula.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Molecular Formula
The molecular formula of a compound indicates the actual number of each type of atom present in a molecule. For silicon tetrachloride (SiCl4), the molecular formula reflects that there is one silicon atom and four chlorine atoms, represented as SiCl4. This formula provides insight into the composition of the molecule and is essential for understanding its chemical behavior.
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Empirical Formula
The empirical formula represents the simplest whole-number ratio of the elements in a compound. For silicon tetrachloride, the empirical formula is also SiCl4, as there is no simpler ratio of silicon to chlorine in this compound. Understanding the empirical formula is important for stoichiometric calculations and determining the proportions of elements in reactions.
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Chemical Composition
Chemical composition refers to the types and amounts of elements that make up a compound. In the case of silicon tetrachloride, the composition consists of one silicon atom and four chlorine atoms. This concept is fundamental in chemistry as it influences the properties and reactivity of the compound, particularly in applications like semiconductor manufacturing.
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Related Practice
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