empirical formula
Americannoun
noun
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a chemical formula indicating the proportion of each element present in a molecule Compare molecular formula structural formula
C6H12O6 is the molecular formula of sucrose whereas CH2O is its empirical formula
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a formula or expression obtained from experimental data rather than theory
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A chemical formula that indicates the relative proportions of the elements in a molecule rather than the actual number of atoms of the elements. The empirical formula of a compound may be simpler than its molecular formula, which is a multiple of the empirical formula. For example, glucose has the molecular formula C 6 H 12 O 6 but the empirical formula CH 2 O.
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Compare molecular formula structural formula
Etymology
Origin of empirical formula
First recorded in 1820–30
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
As long as the molecular or empirical formula of the compound in question is known, the percent composition may be derived from the atomic or molar masses of the compound's elements.
From Textbooks • Feb. 14, 2019
If 0.0923 g of silicon reacts with sulfur to give 0.3030 g of silicon sulfide, determine the empirical formula of silicon sulfide.
From Textbooks • Feb. 14, 2019
Note that a molecular formula is always a whole- number multiple of an empirical formula.
From Textbooks • Feb. 14, 2019
Coefficients for the tentative empirical formula are derived by dividing each molar amount by the lesser of the two:
From Textbooks • Feb. 14, 2019
In this and its properties it appeared to be identical with the product isolated by Cross and Bevan from jute, with the empirical formula C19H18Cl4O9.
From Researches on Cellulose 1895-1900 by Cross, C. F.
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
