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.
The molecular formula is thus derived from the empirical formula by multiplying each of its subscripts by three:
From Textbooks ● Feb. 14, 2019
The empirical formula mass of a covalent compound may be compared to the compound’s molecular or molar mass to derive a molecular formula.
From Textbooks ● Feb. 14, 2019
There are four zinc ions and four sulfide ions in the unit cell, giving the empirical formula ZnS.
From Textbooks ● Feb. 14, 2019
Finally, derive the molecular formula for nicotine from the empirical formula by multiplying each subscript by two:
From Textbooks ● Feb. 14, 2019
Guetta is himself evidently at a loss to grasp the significance of the empirical formula, "Listen and imitate."
From The Psychology of Singing A Rational Method of Voice Culture Based on a Scientific Analysis of All Systems, Ancient and Modern by David C. (David Clark) Taylor
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.
