formula definitions

Question 1

Define molecular formula.

Answer 1

-a formula showing the number of different types of atoms in a molecule

Question 2

Define structural formula.

Answer 2

• A formula showing the how the atoms are bonded to each carbon atom in a molecule

Question 3

Define empirical formula

Answer 3

• the simplest whole number ratio of the number of each element in a molecule.

Question 4

Define displayed formula.

Answer 4

• a chemical formula showing all the atoms and bonds in a molecule

Question 5

Define functional group.

Answer 5

• an atom or group of atoms present in a molecule that is responsible for it’s characteristic chemical properties.

Question 6

Define structural isomerism.

Answer 6

• molecules that have the same molecular formula but different structural formula.

Question 7

Define what a general formula is.

Answer 7

• shows the relative number of each element in the molecular formulae of a series of compounds in a homologous series.

Question 8

Structural isomerism can be divided into 3 sections: chain, functional group and positional isomerism. What is the difference between these three?

Answer 8

Chain isomerism is same molecular formula, but different arrangement of the carbon chain.
Functional group isomerism is same molecular formula, but different functional group
Positional isomerism is the same molecular formula, but the functional group is attached to a different carbon atom.

Question 9

Define skeletal formula.

Answer 9

representation of an organic compound similar to displayed formula where bonds between carbons are represented by lines and hydrogens are implied

Question 10

Define stereoisomerism.

Answer 10

molecules with the same structural formula, but where the atoms have a different positional arrangement in 3D space