What does the empirical formula of a compound describe?

1 Answer
anor277
Dec 22, 2016

The empirical formula is the simplest whole number ratio defining constituent atoms in a species.............

Explanation:

See here, and here, and here, and [here.](https://socratic.org/questions/a-compound-was-found-to-have-85-7-carbon-and-14-3-hydrogen-its-molecular-mass-is#351041)

Most of the time, you are given % carbon, % hydrogen, and % nitrogen. If these percentages do NOT sum to 100% you assume that the balance is oxygen.

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