Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the correct molecular formula for glucose?
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3. Chemical Reactions
Molecular Formula
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Which statement best describes a molecular formula?
A
It shows the simplest whole-number ratio of atoms of each element in a compound.
B
It shows how atoms are connected and the geometry of a molecule.
C
It lists the isotopes present and their relative abundances in a compound.
D
It shows the actual number of atoms of each element in a single molecule of a compound.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that a molecular formula represents the actual number of atoms of each element in a single molecule of a compound, not just the simplest ratio.
Recognize that the empirical formula shows the simplest whole-number ratio of atoms, which is different from the molecular formula.
Note that a structural formula shows how atoms are connected and the geometry of the molecule, which is more detailed than a molecular formula.
Isotopic composition and relative abundances are described by isotopic or mass spectrometry data, not by the molecular formula.
Therefore, the molecular formula provides the exact count of each type of atom in one molecule, which helps in identifying the compound's true composition.
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