JAMB - Chemistry (2002 - No. 2)
The formula CH\(_2\)O for ethanoic acid is regarded as its
Molecular formula
General formula
Empirical formula
Structural formula
Shpjegimi
The empirical formula is the simplest whole number ratio of the number of atoms of each element in a substance. In the case of ethanoic acid, the ratio of atoms is 1:2:1, as shown by the empirical formula CH\(_2\)O.
The molecular formula for ethanoic acid is C\(_2\)H\(_4\)O\(_2\).