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Empirical Formula




In contrast, the Molecular Formula identifies the absolute number of atoms of such element to be found in each discrete molecule of that compound.

For example, N-hexane , a Chemical Compound has the Molecular Formula CH3CH2CH2CH2CH2CH3, implying that it has a straight chain structure, 6 Carbon atoms, and 14 Hydrogen atoms. Hexane's molecular formula is C6H14, and its empirical formula would be C3H7 showing a C:H ratio of 3:7.


USE IN PHYSICS

In Physics , an empirical formula is a mathematical Equation that predicts observed results, but has no known theoretical basis to explain why it works.

An example was the Rydberg Formula to predict the Wavelength s of Hydrogen Spectral Line s. Proposed in 1888 , it perfectly predicted the wavelengths of the Lyman Series , but until Niels Bohr produced his Bohr Model of the atom in 1913 , nobody knew ''why'' the formula worked.