Which term describes the smallest whole-number ratio of elements in a compound?

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Multiple Choice

Which term describes the smallest whole-number ratio of elements in a compound?

Explanation:
This question tests understanding of the empirical formula—the smallest whole-number ratio of elements in a compound. It compactly represents how elements combine in the simplest proportions, regardless of how many molecules you have. The molecular formula, by contrast, gives the exact number of each atom in a molecule and can be a multiple of the empirical formula. For example, C6H12O6 has the empirical formula CH2O because the simplest ratio is 1 C : 2 H : 1 O. If you know the compound’s molar mass, you can determine the molecular formula by multiplying the empirical unit by an integer to match that mass.

This question tests understanding of the empirical formula—the smallest whole-number ratio of elements in a compound. It compactly represents how elements combine in the simplest proportions, regardless of how many molecules you have. The molecular formula, by contrast, gives the exact number of each atom in a molecule and can be a multiple of the empirical formula. For example, C6H12O6 has the empirical formula CH2O because the simplest ratio is 1 C : 2 H : 1 O. If you know the compound’s molar mass, you can determine the molecular formula by multiplying the empirical unit by an integer to match that mass.

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