Question

What is the significance of molecular formula

Answer 1

The Molecular formula is the chemicalformula of a compound which shows, the elements with total number of atoms present in each molecule of that compound. Empirical formula is the simplest whole number ratio of atoms of each element in a compound. Or, in simple words, it is the simplest chemical formula of a compound.

Answer 2

$\colorbox{cyan}{Significance of molecular formula:}$

The molecular formula of a compound has

quantitative significance. It represents :

(i) both the molecule and the molecular mass of the compound

(ii) the respective numbers of different atoms present in one 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.