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  • Empirical vs. Molecular Formula: Can They Be the Same?
    Yes, absolutely! A substance can have the same empirical and molecular formula. This happens when the substance is already the simplest whole-number ratio of its elements.

    Here's why:

    * Empirical Formula: Represents the simplest whole-number ratio of atoms in a compound.

    * Molecular Formula: Shows the actual number of atoms of each element in a molecule.

    Examples:

    * Water (H₂O): Both the empirical and molecular formulas are H₂O. The molecule itself is already the simplest ratio of hydrogen and oxygen atoms.

    * Carbon Dioxide (CO₂): Again, the empirical and molecular formulas are the same (CO₂).

    In summary: If a substance is already in its simplest form, the empirical and molecular formulas will be identical.

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