Chemistry · Chapter 2

Molecule Formula

One molecule can be written three ways. A molecular formula counts atoms, an empirical formula gives the ratio, and a structural formula shows the bonds.

The molecule structural view

The chosen molecule

These are flat sketches, so the angles are only a hint. Real molecules sit in three dimensions. What the drawing does get right is which atom is bonded to which.

The three formulas

H2O already smallest
Water The molecular formula is already the smallest ratio.
Empirical formula
H2O
Condensed form
H2O
Atoms in one molecule
3
Mass of one molecule
18.015 u

Pick a compound

What to notice
Water
Water has two hydrogens and one oxygen.