Empirical and Molecular Formulas

In this lesson students will calculate the empirical and molecular formulas of compounds. The lesson also addresses the relationship between the empirical formula and the molecular formula, and students will calculate empirical formulas from either percentage composition or a mass composition. This is a complete lesson with PowerPoint, student notes, exit ticket, and homework. This resource also contains teacher notes that are full of great hints, and tips for addressing this concept, and slide-by-slide background notes for the teacher. Objectives: Define empirical formula, and explain how empirical formula applies to ionic and molecular compounds. Determine the empirical formula from either a percentage composition of a mass composition. Explain the relationship between the empirical formula and the molecular formula. Determine the molecular formula of a compound from its empirical formula. Prior Knowledge for Students: Students should be comfortable with