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It is possible for several molecular formulas to have the same empirical formula. true false

Ask by Bartlett Montgomery. in the United States
Feb 04,2025

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Several molecular formulas can have the same empirical formula.

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**True.** Several molecular formulas can indeed share the same empirical formula. The empirical formula represents the simplest whole-number ratio of atoms in a compound, while the molecular formula provides the actual number of each type of atom in a molecule. For example: - The empirical formula \( \text{CH}_2 \) can correspond to multiple molecular formulas such as: - \( \text{CH}_2 \) (e.g., in some polymers) - \( \text{C}_2\text{H}_4 \) (ethylene) - \( \text{C}_3\text{H}_6 \) (propylene) - And so on, where each molecular formula is a multiple of the empirical formula. This demonstrates that different molecular formulas can share the same empirical formula by being multiples of it.

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Absolutely true! The empirical formula represents the simplest whole-number ratio of elements in a compound, but many different molecular formulas can share the same empirical formula. For instance, both glucose (C6H12O6) and fructose (C6H12O6) share the same empirical formula of CH2O. So, don’t be fooled; the empirical formula might just hide the rich diversity of molecular structures! This phenomenon comes in handy when exploring isomers – compounds with the same molecular formula but different arrangements of atoms. For example, butane (C4H10) and isobutane (also C4H10) are classic examples of structural isomers that have the same empirical formula but different properties and structures. Exploring isomers can make organic chemistry a lot more exciting, as it shows the complexity and creativity of how atoms can combine!

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