Which statement best describes the difference between empirical and molecular formulas?

• A. Empirical formulas are used only for ionic compounds.
• B. Empirical formulas show the actual number of atoms, while molecular formulas show the simplest ratio of elements.
• C. Empirical formulas show the simplest ratio of elements, while molecular formulas show the actual number of atoms.
• D. Both empirical and molecular formulas show the same information.

Answer: (C)