Here's a breakdown:
* Empirical formula: The simplest whole-number ratio of atoms in a compound. Both formaldehyde and acetic acid have the empirical formula CH₂O.
* Molecular formula: The actual number of atoms of each element in a molecule.
* Formaldehyde: CH₂O (one carbon, two hydrogen, one oxygen)
* Acetic acid: C₂H₄O₂ (two carbon, four hydrogen, two oxygen)
* Molecular weight: The sum of the atomic weights of all atoms in a molecule.
* Formaldehyde: 30 g/mol
* Acetic acid: 60 g/mol
In summary:
While formaldehyde and acetic acid share the same empirical formula (CH₂O), they differ in their molecular formulas and molecular weights. This difference arises from the different arrangements of atoms within their molecules.