Empirical Formula Calculator
Determine the simplest whole-number ratio of atoms in a compound.
Empirical Formula:
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What is an Empirical Formula?
The empirical formula of a chemical compound represents the simplest whole-number ratio of atoms present in the compound. It does not necessarily represent the actual number of atoms in a single molecule (which is the molecular formula).
Example: Glucose
- Molecular Formula: C₆Hâ‚â‚‚O₆ (contains 6 Carbon, 12 Hydrogen, 6 Oxygen)
- Empirical Formula: CHâ‚‚O (The ratio 6:12:6 simplifies to 1:2:1)
How to Calculate It
- Start with Mass: If given percentages, assume a 100g sample (so 40% becomes 40g).
- Convert to Moles: Divide the mass of each element by its atomic mass from the periodic table.
- Divide by Smallest: Divide all mole values by the smallest mole value calculated in step 2.
- Make Whole Numbers: If the results are not whole numbers (e.g., 1.5), multiply all values by a factor (e.g., 2) to get whole integers.