Question

What is the empirical formula of a compound?

Answer 1

`"The simplest whole number....."`

Explanation:

`"The simplest whole number ratio defining constituent atoms in"`
`"a species."`

For a typical 1st year example see this [question.](https://socratic.org/questions/a-compound-contains-13-15-hydrogen52-14-carbon-and-34-73-it-s-molar-mass-is-46-0) The question also gives the relationship between the empirical formula, and the molecular formula.