Empirical Formula vs Molecular Formula

 Empirical Formula  

- Definition: The simplest formula of a compound.  

- Shows only the simplest whole‑number ratio of the atoms of elements present.  

- Does not provide complete information about the actual number of atoms in the molecule.  

Example:  

  - Glucose has the molecular formula C₆H₁₂O₆.  

  - Its empirical formula is CH₂O (simplest ratio).  

Molecular Formula  

- Definition: The formula that shows the actual number of atoms of each element in a molecule of the compound.  

- Provides complete information about the molecule’s composition.  

Example:  

  - Glucose: C₆H₁₂O₆  

  - Benzene: C₆H₆  

Key Difference  

- Empirical Formula: Simplest ratio of atoms.  

- Molecular Formula: Actual number of atoms in the molecule.