Define Molecular Formula?

The molecular formula of a compound tells us the exact number and types of atoms in one molecule of that compound. For example, the molecular formula of glucose is C₆H₁₂O₆. This means each glucose molecule has 6 carbon atoms, 12 hydrogen atoms, and 6 oxygen atoms.

The molecular formula is different from the empirical formula, which only shows the simplest whole-number ratio of the atoms. For glucose, the empirical formula is CH₂O, which is the simplest ratio, but not the exact count. Molecular formulas are important because they give the real composition of a molecule. They help scientists understand the structure and behavior of substances in chemical reactions.