what is the significance of molecular formula
Answers
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.
Answer:
Significance of Chemical Formula
Chemical formula are very important in finding information about chemical compounds as it tell us about the elements and the number of atoms in a substance
Example – Salt – NaCl , ethanol C
2
H
6
O because the molecule of ethanol contains two Carbon, 6 Hydrogen and 1 Oxygen atom.