Question

How does empirical formula differ from molecular?

Answer 1

An empirical formula gives the simplest and most reduced whole number ratio of atoms whereas a molecular formula gives the actual ratio of atoms in a compound.

Explanation:

For example, the molecular formula of glucose is `C_6H_12O_6`, and the empirical formula of glucose is `CH_2O`.

As you can see, the empirical formula is the simplified ratio of the molecular formula whereas the molecular formula isn't simplified at all.