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.
chemical formula with the lowest whole-number ratio of elements in a compound; the empirical formula of hydrogen peroxide, H2O2 is HO. (see molecular formula)
The simplest formula for a compound. The ratio of the number of atoms of each element in the compound.
a chemical formula showing the ratio of elements in a compound rather than the total number of atoms
Formula showing the simplist ratio of elements in a compound.
the simplest whole-number ratio of atoms in a compound.
The formula of a compound that shows only the ratio in which the different types of atom are present in the molecule.
Generally a glaze formula expressed in molecular proportions.
In chemistry, the empirical formula of a chemical compound is a simple expression of the relative number of each type of atom (called a chemical element) in it. An empirical formula makes no reference to isomerism, structure, or absolute number of atoms. Empirical formulas are the standard for ionic compounds, such as CaCl2, and for macromolecules, such as SiO2.