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Molecular Formula quiz

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  • What does the molecular formula indicate about a compound?
    The molecular formula shows the actual number of each element in a compound.
  • How does the empirical formula differ from the molecular formula?
    The empirical formula shows the relative number of elements, not the actual number.
  • What information is needed to calculate an empirical formula?
    You need the masses or percentages of each element in the compound.
  • What is the purpose of the 'n factor' in determining molecular formulas?
    The n factor is a multiplier for the subscripts in the empirical formula to get the molecular formula.
  • How do you find the molecular formula if the n factor is given?
    Multiply each subscript in the empirical formula by the n factor.
  • What is the empirical formula for glucose?
    The empirical formula for glucose is CH2O.
  • What is the n factor for glucose, and what is its molecular formula?
    The n factor for glucose is 6, so its molecular formula is C6H12O6.
  • What is the empirical formula for octane?
    The empirical formula for octane is C4H9.
  • What is the n factor for octane, and what is its molecular formula?
    The n factor for octane is 2, so its molecular formula is C8H18.
  • What is the empirical formula for salicylic acid?
    The empirical formula for salicylic acid is C7H6O3.
  • What is the n factor for salicylic acid, and what is its molecular formula?
    The n factor for salicylic acid is 1, so its molecular formula is C7H6O3.
  • What do you do if the n factor is not provided?
    You must follow specific steps to determine the n factor after finding the empirical formula.
  • If the empirical formula and molecular formula are the same, what is the n factor?
    The n factor is 1 when the empirical and molecular formulas are identical.
  • What is the first step in finding the molecular formula when the n factor is unknown?
    First, determine the empirical formula from the given data.
  • Why is it important to distinguish between empirical and molecular formulas?
    Because the empirical formula shows proportions, while the molecular formula shows the actual composition of the compound.