MOLECULAR FORMULA Meaning and
Definition
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A molecular formula is a symbolic representation of a chemical compound that describes the types of atoms present and their respective quantities in a molecule. It provides essential information about the chemical composition and arrangement of atoms in a compound, allowing scientists to identify a specific substance.
The molecular formula consists of chemical symbols for each element present in the compound, followed by numerical subscripts indicating the number of atoms of each element. These subscripts are written as small numbers written to the right and slightly below the element symbol. For instance, the molecular formula for water is H2O, indicating that it contains two hydrogen (H) atoms and one oxygen (O) atom.
Molecular formulas provide a simple and concise representation of the composition of a compound. They can exist in different forms, such as empirical formula, which represents the simplest ratio of atoms in a compound, and the structural formula, which illustrates the specific arrangement of atoms.
By knowing the molecular formula of a compound, scientists can determine its molar mass, calculate stoichiometry in chemical reactions, predict physical and chemical properties, and classify substances. Additionally, molecular formulas are crucial in organic chemistry for understanding the structure and function of organic compounds, including carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids.
Overall, the molecular formula is a fundamental tool in chemistry that enables scientists to identify and communicate the composition of chemical compounds through a concise and standardized representation.
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One which indicates definitely the number of atoms of each element composing the molecule.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for MOLECULAR FORMULA
- nolecular formula
- kolecular formula
- jolecular formula
- milecular formula
- mklecular formula
- mllecular formula
- mplecular formula
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- molexular formula
Etymology of MOLECULAR FORMULA
The word "molecular" is derived from the Latin word "molecula", which means "a small mass". It is a diminutive form of "moles", which means "mass". The term "molecular" was first used in the scientific context by the English chemist and physicist John Dalton in the early 19th century to describe the smallest indivisible particles of a substance.
The word "formula" is derived from the Latin word "formula", which means "a small mold or pattern". It was used to refer to a prescribed method or recipe for creating something. In the context of chemistry, a formula describes the composition of a substance, indicating the number and types of atoms present.
Therefore, the term "molecular formula" was coined to describe the specific combination and quantity of atoms that constitute a molecule.
Similar spelling words for MOLECULAR FORMULA
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