Here's why:
* Empirical Formula: Represents the simplest whole-number ratio of atoms of each element in a compound. It doesn't necessarily show the actual number of atoms in a molecule.
* Molecular Formula: Shows the actual number of atoms of each element in a molecule.
Example:
* Glucose has the molecular formula C₆H₁₂O₆.
* Glucose has the empirical formula CH₂O.
The empirical formula tells us the ratio of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms in glucose is 1:2:1. The molecular formula tells us that there are actually 6 carbon, 12 hydrogen, and 6 oxygen atoms in a glucose molecule.
