CBSE Class 9 Answered

Significance of Molecular Formula

The molecular formula of a compound has a quantitative significance. It represents the following:

(1) The name of the substance.

(2) Both, the molecule and the molecular mass of the compound.

(3) The respective numbers of different atoms present in one molecule of a compound.

(4) The ratios of the respective masses of the elements present in the compound.

Let us consider an example of carbon dioxide.

The formula CO₂ means that

(1) It represents carbon dioxide.

(2) The molecular formula of carbon dioxide is CO₂.

(3) Each molecule contains one carbon atom joined by chemical bonds with two oxygen atoms.

(4) The molecular mass of carbon dioxide is 44, given that the atomic mass of carbon is 12 and that of oxygen is 16.