Question

Significance of molecular formula

Answer 1

The molecular formula is the chemical formula that indicates the number and type of different atoms present in the molecule. The molecular formula is the actual number of atoms that make up a molecule. It only makes sense to speak of molecular formula if the element or compound are formed by molecules; In the case of crystals, we speak of its empirical formula.

Answer 2

Answer:

The molecular formula of a compound has quantitative significance. It represents:

(i) Both the molecular and the molecular mass of the compound.

(ii) The respective numbers of different atoms present in the molecule of the compound.

(iii) The ratios of the respective masses of the elements present in the compound.

For example, the formula CO2 means that:

(i) The molecular formula of carbon dioxide is CO2;

(ii) Each molecule contains one carbon atom joined by chemical bonds with two oxygen atoms;

(iii) The molecular mass of carbon dioxide is 44, given that the atomic mass of carbon is 12 and that of oxygen is 16.