● understand what is meant by empirical and molecular formula.

● calculate empirical and molecular formulas.

● carry out a practical to find the formula of magnesium oxide. MgO.

empirical formula is defined as the simplest whole number ratio of atoms of different
elements in the compound.

the molecular formula is the actual number of atoms in a compound.

formed by covalent bonds not ionic.

example..

CH2 (empirical formula)

C2H4 (molecular formula)

determining empirical formula (steps)...

1. pretend you have 100 grams of a compound (change % to grams).

2. convert the grams to moles for each element (n=m/mr)
3. write the number of moles as a subscript in a chemical formula
4. divide each number by the least number
5. multiply the rest to get rid of fractions

if you come across any equations with this ratio then do this...

1.5 X 2

1.3 X 3

determining molecular formula

● actual molecule would weigh more by whole number multiple

● divide the actual molar mass by the mass of one mole of the empirical formula.