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It shows the constituent elements and their proportion, but does not show the the structure of the molecule. This is usually depicted in graphic form by the structural formula.

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Q: What doesn't the molecular formula show about a molecule?
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Does a formula show the ratio elements in a compound?

depends, an Empirical formula will always (by definition) show the ratio in which atoms are combined within a molecule. a molecular formula on the other hand shows the number of atoms of each element in a molecule, the only exceptions being massive structures, crystal latices and where a molecular formula cannot be produced and is either given in the form n*(empirical formula) or just the empirical formula. do note however that reference to a formula of a molecule usually refer to the molecular formula except in the exceptions listed above.


A chemical formula used to show the number and types of atoms present in a molecule is referred to as what?

A chemical formula that shows the number and types of atoms in a molecule is known as a molecular formula. Molecular formulas are written by writing the symbol for each element followed by a subscript to show the actual number of atoms in the molecule.


Can molecular formula be used to show difference between isomers?

Nope.... isomers differ only in their structure not in their molecular formula


What do images of atoms and molecules show?

The empiracle formula shows the ratio of the individual elements in a compound, and the molecular formula shows the actual number of each elemental atom in each molecule (which will be equal to the empiracle formula or a whole number multiple of it). However, it is the structural formula that shows how the individual atoms are connected.


What is the difference between structural and condensed formula?

The structural formula show the position of atoms in a molecule.

Related questions

Do A molecular formula show the arrangement of the atoms in a molecule?

Yes.


Does a formula show the ratio elements in a compound?

depends, an Empirical formula will always (by definition) show the ratio in which atoms are combined within a molecule. a molecular formula on the other hand shows the number of atoms of each element in a molecule, the only exceptions being massive structures, crystal latices and where a molecular formula cannot be produced and is either given in the form n*(empirical formula) or just the empirical formula. do note however that reference to a formula of a molecule usually refer to the molecular formula except in the exceptions listed above.


A chemical formula used to show the number and types of atoms present in a molecule is referred to as what?

A chemical formula that shows the number and types of atoms in a molecule is known as a molecular formula. Molecular formulas are written by writing the symbol for each element followed by a subscript to show the actual number of atoms in the molecule.


H2o is an example of what?

H2O is a molecular formula, since it shows the actual number of each atom in the molecule, and it is also an empirical formula since it shows the atoms in their simplest ratio (2 to 1). In this case the, the molecular formula and the empirical formula are the same.It is not, however, a structural formula, which would show the actual arrangement of the atoms in the molecule. The structural formula for water is HOH which shows the molecule as an H+ radical bonded to an OH- radical.


What does structural formula show about a molecule of a compound?

The structural formula show the spatial aspect of the molecule.


Which formula show a substance that is not molecular?

A formula unit.


Does a molecular formula show the types and numbers of atoms present in a molecule of a compound?

Yes, structural formulae show how the atoms in a compound are arranged. For example, CH3CH2CH2CH3 is the structural formula for butane. Unlike the displayed formula, it does not show the individual bonds that are formed.


What is the difference between empirical and molecular formula?

An empirical formula is one that shows the lowest whole number ratio of the elements present. The molecular formula shows the composition of the molecules. An example is phosphorus pentoxide, P2O5 empirical formula, P4O10 molecular formula.


What does a structural formula shows about a molecule of a compound?

The structural formula show the spatial aspect of the molecule.


Can molecular formula be used to show difference between isomers?

Nope.... isomers differ only in their structure not in their molecular formula


How do scientists show the shape of a molecule?

Scientists use a structural formula to show the shape of a molecule.


What do images of atoms and molecules show?

The empiracle formula shows the ratio of the individual elements in a compound, and the molecular formula shows the actual number of each elemental atom in each molecule (which will be equal to the empiracle formula or a whole number multiple of it). However, it is the structural formula that shows how the individual atoms are connected.