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• An empirical formula is a formula that represents the simplest whole number ratio.
• Steps to determine an empirical forumla:
  1. If you are given percentages, convert them to grams.
  2. Convert the grams of each element into moles of each element. (Don't round)
  3. Divide all of the moles of each element by the smallest mole value.
  4. If needed, multiply all of the moles by the same number until are all whole.
• Remember:
  1. Percent to Mass
  2. Mass to Moles
  3. Divide by Small
  4. Multiply til Whole

• Whereas an empirical formula is the simplest whole number ratio of the elements in a compound, a molecular formula is the real ratio of the elements in a compound.
• Steps to determine a molecular formula:
  1. If you aren't given the empirical formula, you must determine it first.
  2. Calculate the molar mass of the empirical formula
  3. Divide the molecular mass by the molar mass of the empirical formula.
  4. Multiply the subscript of the empirical formula by the answer from step 3.

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