Formulae Definitions

Question 1

what is an empirical formula?

Answer 1

shows the simplest ratio of the elements in the compound E.g. CH2
is the empirical formula of C2H4

Question 2

what is a molecular formula?

Answer 2

shows the actual number of atoms of each element present in the compound

Question 3

what is the displayed formula?

Answer 3

shows how all of the atoms in a compound are arranged and all of the bonds between them

Question 4

what is a structural formula?

Answer 4

shows the formula carbon by carbon, with the attached hydrogens and functional groups E.g. CH3CH2COCH3

Question 5

what is a skeletal formula?

Answer 5

shows the bonds of the carbon skeleton with only functional groups displayed (C and H atoms not drawn)

Question 6

what is a general formula?

Answer 6

a type of empirical formula that represents the composition of any member of an entire class of compounds

Question 7

Homologous series

Answer 7

A series of compounds with the same functional group and similar
chemical properties. For example, all alkanes belong to the same homologous series

Question 8

Functional group

Answer 8

The group of atoms responsible for the characteristic reactions of a
particular compound.