Define the empirical formula of a compound asthe simplest whole number ratio of the differentatoms or ions in a compound

The empirical formula of a compound is defined as the simplest, most reduced ratio of atoms present in a compound. It represents the relative amounts of different elements in a substance. Here are the steps to determine the empirical formula:

1. Identify the elements present in the compound and the number of atoms of each element.

2. Convert the number of atoms of each element to moles. This is done by dividing the mass of each element by its atomic mass.

3. Divide the number of moles of each element by the smallest number of moles calculated in step 2. This will give you the simplest whole number ratio of the atoms.

4. If the ratios are not whole numbers, they may need to be multiplied by a factor to achieve whole numbers. This factor is usually 2, 3, or 4.

5. The empirical formula is then written using these simplest whole number ratios. For example, if the ratio of hydrogen to oxygen is 2:1, the empirical formula would be H2O.