Question

What does the empirical formula show?

• A. It shows the kind and proportions of atoms in a substance in its simplest form
• B. It is a shorthand way of writing a substance formula with chemical symbols.
• C. It shows the kind and actual numbers of atoms in a substance.
• D. It is the formula, or recipe that scientists use to make a compound.
• E. It is a way of naming a compound.

Answer 1

The correct option is A It shows the kind and proportions of atoms in a substance in its simplest form

The empirical formula shows the kind and proportions of atoms in a substance in its simplest form.
Thus the empirical formula $CH$ shows that the substance contains $C$ and $H$ atoms in 1:1 proportion by moles.