Formulae For Simple Compounds: Introduction, Videos, Pointers, Types

When it comes to chemistry, the subject will surely offer some stunning reactions together with formulas. It should be known that in our daily lives we do come across several chemical substances and chemical compounds. For example, substances in our house such as antiseptic solution do comprise of chemical substances.

These chemicals are bound or surrounded by atoms, managed in a fixed proportion. Therefore, in order to figure out the kind of proportions as well as the arrangement present within the substance or compounds, one must access the chemical formula. Let us know more!

Significance of Chemistry Formulas

In simple words, Chemical formula in chemistry is a shorthand used to highlight the elements present in a compound. You should note that the periodic table consists of elements together with the symbols. Moreover, these chemical symbols can be utilized for representing various individual elements, like hydrogen is H, oxygen is O and so on.

Types of Chemical Formula

There are a variety of chemical formulas, which are used to represent a specific compound in an exact manner. Some of the prime chemical formula types are:

Molecular Formula: This formula provides you with the count of elements which are present in the compound. Based on the molecular formula, the elements are inscribed using their symbols (mentioned in the periodic table). In this formula, the number of atoms is mentioned as a subscript. Example: glucose molecular formula is written as C₆H₁₂O₆.
Structural Formula: Considering its name, the structural formula gives an idea of how the atoms are present in the molecule or compound is arranged together with bond formations.
Empirical Formula: This type of formula gives an idea about the ratio of the active elements managed in a compound. Moreover, this formula is usually based depending on the evaluation of experimental data. For example, the empirical formula for glucose is stated as CH₂O. Molecular formulas are the base from which empirical formulas are derived.

Necessary Pointers Before Writing A Chemical Formula

The basic thing before writing a chemical formula is to stay well aware of the symbols of different elements available in the compound. This also includes the knowledge about radicals as well as element valencies.
The next point is to remember that most compounds are binary compounds. This means they consist of two elements. Furthermore, compounds with more than two elements are also available.
An atom having a positive charge is termed as a cation. On the other hand, an atom with a negative charge is termed as an anion.
A compound comprising metal and a non-metal, do remember that the metal is mentioned first. For example, NaCl as it contains metal ion Na⁺, and non-metal ion Cl^–.
Anions holding -1 negative charge are usually suffixed as –ide. Also, anions holding oxyanions are generally suffixed as -ate. Example: SO₄^2- is termed as Sulphate.
In case a polyatomic anion comprises H– ion, then bi- or hydrogen suffix is used. Example: HCO₃^– is called as hydrogen carbonate or Bicarbonate.

Questions For You

Q. Write the molecular formula for the mentioned compound:

Nitrous oxide, having two nitrogen atoms and one oxygen atom per molecule. Also, nitrous oxide is utilized as a mild anaesthetic under minor surgeries and a propellant in whipped cream cans.
Sucrose or cane sugar, holds 12 carbon atoms, 22 hydrogen atoms and, 11 oxygen atoms.

Ans. N₂O and C₁₂H₂₂O₁₁

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