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The molecular formula of glucose is C6H12O6 - Leaving Cert Chemistry - Question (g) - 2009
Question (g)
The molecular formula of glucose is C6H12O6. Write the empirical formula for glucose.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The molecular formula of glucose is C6H12O6 - Leaving Cert Chemistry - Question (g) - 2009
Step 1
Write the empirical formula for glucose.
Answer
The empirical formula is derived by finding the simplest whole number ratio of the elements in the molecular formula. For glucose, the molecular formula is C6H12O6.
To find the ratio of the components:
- Carbon: 6
- Hydrogen: 12
- Oxygen: 6
Dividing all the subscripts by their greatest common divisor, which is 6:
- For Carbon: \( \frac{6}{6} = 1 \)
- For Hydrogen: \( \frac{12}{6} = 2 \)
- For Oxygen: \( \frac{6}{6} = 1 \)
Thus, the empirical formula for glucose is CH2O.