Which statement best describes the meaning of the molecular formula C6H12O6?

• A. It indicates that each molecule contains 6 carbon atoms, 12 hydrogen atoms, and 6 oxygen atoms.
• B. It represents the empirical formula for glucose.
• C. It means the compound is composed of 6 molecules of carbon, 12 molecules of hydrogen, and 6 molecules of oxygen.
• D. It shows the ratio of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms is 1:2:1.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that a molecular formula shows the exact number of each type of atom in a single molecule of a compound.
2. Identify the subscripts in the molecular formula C6H12O6: 6 carbons (C), 12 hydrogens (H), and 6 oxygens (O).
3. Recognize that this formula does not represent the empirical formula, which is the simplest whole-number ratio of atoms; instead, it shows the actual count of atoms in one molecule.
4. Note that the formula does not mean there are multiple molecules of each element, but rather atoms within one molecule.
5. Understand that the ratio of atoms (1:2:1) can be derived by dividing each subscript by the greatest common divisor, but the molecular formula itself specifies the exact number of atoms, not just the ratio.