1. Determining Empirical and Molecular Formulas

2. What is an empirical formula?
The symbols for the elements combined in a compound, with subscripts showing the smallest whole-number mole ratio of the different atoms in the compound.

3. How do I determine the empirical formula?
Step 1: Convert percentages to grams. Literally, change the unit.
Step 2: Convert from grams to mole. How?
Step 3: Divide each mole answer by the smallest mole number. Why?
Step 4: Multiply by a whole number, if needed. How do you know when to do this?
Step 5: Write the whole numbers as the subscripts for the elements.

4. What is a molecular formula?
The actual formula of the compound.
Usually NOT in lowest-terms.
The molecular formula can be the same as the empirical formula.

5. How do I calculate the molecular formula?
Then, distribute “x” to the empirical formula.