write the empirical formula for each of the following molecular formulae"
a)P4O10
b)C2H6
Confused as to what the diff.is b/w empirical and formula...have no idea how to answer these b/c they look like empirical formulas to me
empirical is lowest whole ratio
P2O5
formula reflects how it is combined
P4O10
THANKS FOR ALL YOUR HELP TODAY.
The empirical formula represents the simplest, whole-number ratio of atoms in a compound. It gives the relative number of atoms of each element present in a molecule.
a) To determine the empirical formula of P4O10, we need to find the simplest, whole-number ratio of atoms present. We can do this by dividing the subscripts by their greatest common divisor (GCD). In this case, the GCD of 4 and 10 is 2:
P4O10
Divide by GCD 2: P2O5
Therefore, the empirical formula for P4O10 is P2O5.
b) Similarly, for C2H6, we divide the subscripts by their GCD. In this case, the GCD of 2 and 6 is 2:
C2H6
Divide by GCD 2: CH3
Therefore, the empirical formula for C2H6 is CH3.
The empirical formula represents the simplest whole-number ratio of atoms in a compound. It does not provide information about the actual number of atoms in the compound. On the other hand, the molecular formula specifies the actual number of atoms in each element within a compound.
To derive the empirical formula from the given molecular formula, you need to find the simplest whole-number ratio of atoms. Here's how to do it:
a) P4O10:
To determine the empirical formula, we need to simplify the ratios of the atoms. The molecular formula P4O10 shows that there are 4 phosphorus (P) atoms and 10 oxygen (O) atoms.
To simplify the ratio, divide both numbers by their greatest common factor, which in this case is 2. Dividing 4 by 2 gives 2, and dividing 10 by 2 gives 5. Therefore, the empirical formula is P2O5.
b) C2H6:
The molecular formula C2H6 shows that there are 2 carbon (C) atoms and 6 hydrogen (H) atoms.
Divide both numbers by their greatest common factor, which is 2. Dividing 2 by 2 gives 1, and dividing 6 by 2 gives 3. Therefore, the empirical formula is CH3.
In summary, the empirical formula of P4O10 is P2O5, and the empirical formula of C2H6 is CH3.