The ___ formula shows how many atoms of each element are in a compound. molecular

The molecular formula is like a party invite—it tells you exactly who’s coming to the chemical bash! For example, in water (H₂O), the formula indicates there are two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. It gives a clear snapshot of the composition but doesn't detail how the atoms are arranged in the party room—er, the molecule! In real-world applications, molecular formulas are crucial in fields such as pharmaceuticals. They help chemists design drugs by revealing the specific combinations of elements needed to create effective compounds. Understanding a molecule’s structure based on its formula can lead to innovations in everything from medicine to new materials.