Empirical formula mass

Definition

The empirical formula mass is the sum of the atomic masses of all atoms in an empirical formula. It represents the simplest ratio of elements in a compound.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The empirical formula mass is calculated using the atomic masses from the periodic table.
2. It is used to convert between grams and moles for an empirical formula.
3. The molecular formula mass is always a whole number multiple of the empirical formula mass.
4. To find the empirical formula, you first need to determine the moles of each element in a compound.
5. Empirical formulas do not provide information about the actual number of atoms, just their ratio.

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Related terms

Empirical Formula:

A chemical formula showing the simplest ratio of elements in a compound.

Molecular Formula:

A chemical formula showing the actual number of atoms of each element in a molecule.

Atomic Mass:

The weighted average mass of an atom's isotopes as found on the periodic table.