Question

Is the empirical formula for a compound ever the same as its molecular formula? .

Answer 1

Yes, if the molecular formula is already in its simplest ratio

Explanation:

e.g. Carbon monoxide (`CO`) has carbon and oxygen atoms in the ratio `1:1` so it is already as simple as it can be, and the empirical formula is `CO`, the same as the molecular formula.

e.g. Water (`H_2O`) has hydrogen and oxygen atoms in the ratio `2:1`, which is already as simple as it can be and the empirical formula is `H_2O`, the same as the molecular formula.

e.g. Hydrogen peroxide (`H_2O_2`) has hydrogen and oxygen atoms in the ratio `2:2` which can be simplified to `1:1`. Therefore, the empirical formula is `HO`, which is different from the molecular formula.