What is the lowest whole number ratio of the elements in a compound called?

1 Answer
May 21, 2018

Empirical Formula

Explanation:

The empirical formula is the simplified version of the molecular formula which take the lowest whole number ratio.

Example:

Hydrogen Peroxide
molecular formula: #H_2O_2#
empirical formula: #HO#

Water
molecular formula: #H_2O#
empirical formula: #H_2O#