What is molecular formula?
In GCSE chemistry, the molecular formula of a compound represents the exact number of atoms of each element present in a molecule.
Unlike the empirical formula, which shows the simplest whole-number ratio of atoms, the molecular formula provides the actual composition. For example, the molecular formula of glucose is C₆H₁₂O₆, while its empirical formula is CH₂O. It is determined using the relative molecular mass and the empirical formula. Understanding molecular formulas is essential in GCSE Chemistry for identifying substances and balancing chemical equations accurately.
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