Carbon monoxide (CO) is an example of a molecule where the molecular and empirical formulas are identical.
The question asks for an example of a molecular formula that has the same empirical formula. Let's first clarify what these terms mean:
- Molecular Formula: This shows the exact number of each type of atom in a molecule. For example, the molecular formula for water is H₂O, indicating two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom.
- Empirical Formula: This represents the simplest whole-number ratio of atoms in a compound. For example, the empirical formula of glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) is CH₂O.
Here's why carbon monoxide (CO) fits this criteria, as mentioned in the reference:
- Carbon Monoxide (CO): It contains one carbon atom and one oxygen atom. The ratio of carbon to oxygen is 1:1. This is already the simplest whole number ratio. Therefore, both its molecular and empirical formulas are CO.
| Molecule | Molecular Formula | Empirical Formula | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon Monoxide | CO | CO | The ratio of atoms (1:1) cannot be simplified further. |
| Water | H₂O | H₂O | The ratio of atoms (2:1) cannot be simplified further. |
| Hydrogen Peroxide | H₂O₂ | HO | The ratio of atoms (2:2) can be simplified to 1:1. |
| Glucose | C₆H₁₂O₆ | CH₂O | The ratio of atoms (6:12:6) can be simplified to 1:2:1. |
In summary, carbon monoxide (CO) is a molecule whose molecular formula is the same as its empirical formula because the ratio of its constituent atoms is already at its simplest whole number representation.
