Here's why:
* Empirical Formula: The simplest whole-number ratio of atoms of each element in a compound. It represents the most basic unit of the compound.
* Molecular Formula: The actual number of atoms of each element in a molecule of the compound. This can be the same as the empirical formula or a multiple of it.
Example:
* Glucose: Molecular formula is C₆H₁₂O₆, Empirical formula is CH₂O
In this example, the molecular formula shows that there are 6 carbon, 12 hydrogen, and 6 oxygen atoms in a glucose molecule. The empirical formula, however, shows the simplest ratio, which is 1 carbon, 2 hydrogen, and 1 oxygen.
Therefore, the subscripts in a formula directly represent the empirical formula, which is the actual molar ratio of elements in the compound.
