| − | An '''empirical formula''' is a [[chemical formula]] which describes a whole number ratio for the atoms in a molecule.<ref>Wile, Jay L. ''Exploring Creation With Chemistry''. Apologia Educational Ministries, Inc. 1998.</ref> An empirical formula indicates only the ratio, not the number of each kind of atom in the molecule. For example, [[hexane]] has six carbon atoms and fourteen hydrogen atoms. Its [[molecular formula]] is thus C<sub>6</sub>H<sub>14</sub>, but its empirical formula is C<sub>3</sub>H<sub>7</sub>. The emperical formula is used in certain kinds of experimental chemical analysis, which can show the ratio or relative number of atoms in the molecule, but not necessarily the actual number of atoms in the molecule. | + | An '''empirical formula''' is a [[chemical formula]] which describes a whole number ratio for the [[atom]]s in a [[molecule]].<ref>Wile, Jay L. ''Exploring Creation With Chemistry''. Apologia Educational Ministries, Inc. 1998.</ref> An empirical formula indicates only the ratio, not the number of each kind of atom in the molecule. For example, [[hexane]] has six [[carbon]] atoms and fourteen [[hydrogen]] atoms. Its [[molecular formula]] is thus C<sub>6</sub>H<sub>14</sub>, but its empirical formula is C<sub>3</sub>H<sub>7</sub>. The emperical formula is used in certain kinds of experimental chemical analysis, which can show the ratio or relative number of atoms in the molecule, but not necessarily the actual number of atoms in the molecule. |