What information does a molecular formula provide?

What information does a molecular formula provide?

• A. It indicates the physical state of a substance.
• B. It shows the proportions of each element in a mixture.
• C. It shows the exact number and type of atoms in a molecule.
• D. It describes the chemical properties of a compound.

Answer: (C)

A molecular formula provides crucial information about the composition of a molecule, specifically detailing the exact number and type of atoms present. For instance, in the molecular formula H₂O, it indicates that there are two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom in each molecule of water. This formula allows chemists to understand the molecular structure and predict the behavior of the compound in chemical reactions. While other options mention aspects related to substances and mixtures, they do not accurately define what a molecular formula represents. The physical state of a substance, the proportions of elements in a mixture, and the chemical properties of a compound are not determined by the molecular formula alone. The molecular formula is strictly focused on the count and kind of atoms, making option C the most accurate choice regarding the information provided by a molecular formula.

A molecular formula provides crucial information about the composition of a molecule, specifically detailing the exact number and type of atoms present. For instance, in the molecular formula H₂O, it indicates that there are two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom in each molecule of water. This formula allows chemists to understand the molecular structure and predict the behavior of the compound in chemical reactions.

While other options mention aspects related to substances and mixtures, they do not accurately define what a molecular formula represents. The physical state of a substance, the proportions of elements in a mixture, and the chemical properties of a compound are not determined by the molecular formula alone. The molecular formula is strictly focused on the count and kind of atoms, making option C the most accurate choice regarding the information provided by a molecular formula.