empirical formula
Americannoun
noun
-
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
-
a formula or expression obtained from experimental data rather than theory
-
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.
-
Compare molecular formula structural formula
Etymology
Origin of empirical formula
First recorded in 1820–30
Compare meaning
How does empirical-formula compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
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.
In this case, dividing by the smallest subscript still leaves us with a decimal subscript in the empirical formula.
From Textbooks • Feb. 14, 2019
To convert this into a whole number, multiply each of the subscripts by two, retaining the same atom ratio and yielding Cl2O7 as the final empirical formula.
From Textbooks • Feb. 14, 2019
Determine the empirical formula for the white solid and write balanced chemical equations for the reactions involving xenon.
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 other words, twenty-four different compounds, all having the same empirical formula and similar sugar-like properties are theoretically possible.
From The Chemistry of Plant Life by Thatcher, Roscoe Wilfred
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.
