Definitions for "Empirical formula"
simplest formula. Compare with molecular formula. Empirical formulas show which elements are present in a compound, with their mole ratios indicated as subscripts. For example, the empirical formula of glucose is CH2O, which means that for every mole of carbon in the compound, there are 2 moles of hydrogen and one mole of oxygen.
Chemical formula that has been reduced by means of division. For example, (Si3O12) can be reduced to (SiO4) by using the lowest common divisor, which is three. Three divided by three is one {so the second formula contains one silicon (Si) molecule}, and twelve divided by three is four {so the second formula contains four oxygen (O) molecules}. See The Chemical Properties of Minerals for more information.
A formula pertaining to or derived from experience or experiments.