what is meant by the simplest formula of a compound?

0 ⤊

what is meant by the simplest formula of a compound?

2007-02-27 07:36:00 · 2 answers · asked by emerald 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry

2 answers

2007-02-27 07:39:29 · answer #1 · answered by gjmb1960 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋

The simplest whole-number ratio between the number of atoms of each element.
In C2H6, for example, the simplest ratio would be 1:3, and so the simplest (empirical) formula would be CH3. We don't write the number "1" in formulae.

2007-02-27 15:39:56 · answer #2 · answered by Gervald F 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋