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Chemical Formula of Common Compounds

A chemical formula is a concise and symbolic representation of a chemical compound, conveying information about the types and proportions of atoms that constitute the compound.
authorImageSawat Sayyed23 Sept, 2023
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Chemical Formula

Compounds are represented by their chemical formulas as symbolic representations of their chemical compositions. In addition to providing insight into the elements that make up a compound, chemical formulas also indicate how these elements combine to form such molecules in a particular ratio. Water, for example, has a chemical formula of H2O, which indicates that two hydrogen atoms combine with one oxygen atom to form one molecule.

Also Read : Boiling Point Elevation

What is a Chemical Formula?

Formulas explain the make-up or physical shape of chemical compounds; chemical symbols identify each constituent part and how many atoms each element contains.
  • The chemical formula of a compound provides information about its chemical composition.
  • In addition, they show how the basic parts of the compound join in what proportions.
  • The chemical formula of a compound is essential when representing it in a chemical equation.
  • Chemical equations can also be used to represent ions, free radicals, and other chemical species.
  • Objects composed of two or more components in a predetermined ratio are called compounds.
  • Chemical formulas can be used to determine the number of atoms in a substance.
  • This chart includes symbols for the atoms of each element in the compound and a count of how many of each element there are.

Importance of Chemical Formula

  • Formulas provide information about a compound's chemical composition.
  • Additionally, they reflect the ratios in which the constituent elements combine to form the compound.
  • Its chemical formula is crucial when representing a compound in a chemical equation.
  • Chemical formulae can also represent ions, free radicals, and other chemical species.

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Types of Chemical Formula

The term 'chemical formula' usually refers to the molecular formula of a compound (which indicates how many atoms each constituent element has in one molecule). Still, the compositions of chemical compounds can be expressed in several ways, as explained in this section. Molecular Formula: A compound's molecular formula indicates how many elements it contains. The elements are denoted in molecular formulae by their respective symbols (as in the periodic table), and the number of atoms within each molecule is subscripted. For example, glucose has the molecular formula C6H12O6. Empirical Formula: The empirical formula of a chemical compound represents the ratio of the elements present in that compound. Empirical formulae are usually derived from experimental data. The empirical formula for glucose is CH2O. Molecular formulae can also be used to derive empirical formulae. Structural Formula: In a chemical compound, the structural formula provides information about the arrangement of atoms. Molecular structural formulae indicate where chemical bonds connect atoms in a molecule. Symbols for atoms in a structural formula are separated by one, two, or three lines, representing single, double, or triple bonds. The structural formula reveals the atomic bonding and spatial arrangement of the atoms. The process aids in separating the atoms that are bound together from those that are not.

Also Check - Aluminium Nitrate Formula

How to write Chemical Formula

  • It is essential to understand the valencies of the two radicals or elements available.
  • In a chemical formula, the number of positive and negative valencies must equal zero. Determine the least frequent multiple between the two valencies.
  • Cations (Na+) are positively charged atoms, while anions (Cl-) are negatively charged.
  • If a metal is included in the formula, it should usually come first.
  • In general, anions with a -1 opposing charge end in -ide. For example, Cl- - chloride.
  • The suffix -ate is typically found on oxyanions, which are composed of oxygen and another atom.
  • PO43- (Phosphate) Whenever a polyatomic anion contains an H- ion, the suffix bi- or hydrogen is used—for example, hydrogen carbonate or HCO3-Bicarbonate.
  • Rust and baking soda are written using these steps.Rust is chemically composed of Fe2O3 (Fe3+ and O2), and it is also called ferric oxide or iron oxide.
  • Baking soda's chemical formula is NaHCO3. It is also known as sodium bicarbonate or sodium hydrogen carbonate.
  • The following are some polyatomic anions:
Chemical Formula Polyatomic Anion
NH2– Amide
PO43- Phosphate
CN– Cyanide

Key Features

  • A compound's chemical structure is symbolically represented by its chemical formula when described in a chemical equation.
  • In addition, they represent the proportions in which the parts are mixed to form the composite.
  • Additionally, chemical formulas can represent ions, free radicals, and other chemical species.

Chemical Formula FAQs

What is a chemical formula?

A chemical formula is a symbolic representation of a chemical compound, indicating the type and number of atoms that make up the compound. It uses chemical symbols and subscripts to convey this information.

How do you determine the chemical formula of a compound?

The chemical formula of a compound is determined through chemical analysis, including techniques like spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. It represents the ratio of atoms in a compound's molecular structure.

What does the chemical formula H2O represent?

The chemical formula H2O represents a water molecule, consisting of two hydrogen atoms (H) bonded to one oxygen atom (O). It's the fundamental formula for one of the most common substances on Earth.

Can chemical formulas vary for the same compound?

No, the chemical formula for a specific compound is fixed and represents its unique composition. For example, the chemical formula for water is always H2O, regardless of its source.

What is the significance of subscripts in chemical formulas?

Subscripts in chemical formulas indicate the number of atoms of each element present in a compound. They help convey the precise molecular composition and stoichiometry of the compound.
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