GENERAL CHEMISTRY 1

Calculating Empirical and Molecular Formula

Most Essential Learning Competencies:

1. Calculate the empirical formula from the percent composition of a compound STEM_GC11PCIf-32
2. Calculate molecular formula given molar mass STEM_GC11PCIf-33

CALCULATING EMPIRICAL AND MOLECULAR FORMULA

Steps in Calculating Empirical Formula

1. If given % composition, assume 100 g of sample.
2. Convert mass of each element to moles (g/mol).
3. Divide each of these numbers by the smallest number.
4. If necessary, multiply by the smallest number possible to make each a whole number.
5. These whole numbers are the subscripts in the empirical formula called mole ratio.

Percent Composition
a. The ratio of the mass of an element and the mass of the compound multiplied by 100%.

b. Calculation through the molar mass of element or the compound

Steps in Calculating Molecular Formula

1. Find the molar mass of the empirical formula.
2. Molar mass of a compound divided by the molar mass of empirical formula.
3. Multiply subscripts from empirical formula by the answer you got in step 2.

References:
1. Wilcox, K. (2016). Percent Composition & Empirical & Molecular Formulas. https://slideplayer.com/slide/4422739/
2. Quipper. (n.d.). STEM Student's Content: General Chemistry 1. Determining the Empirical Formula of a Compound from its
Percent Composition.