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.
Determine the empirical formula for the white solid and write balanced chemical equations for the reactions involving xenon.
From Textbooks • Feb. 14, 2019
Comparing the molar mass to the empirical formula mass shows how many empirical formula units make up a molecule:
From Textbooks • Feb. 14, 2019
What is the empirical formula of this compound?
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
We offer these views, however, only as suggestions to others more competent to grapple with the question, as promising a satisfactory solution of Bode’s empirical formula.
From Outlines of a Mechanical Theory of Storms Containing the True Law of Lunar Influence by Bassnett, Thomas
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.
