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AQA A Level Chemistry

Empirical
and Molecular
Formulae

This AQA 3.1.2 section explains how formulas show chemical composition. Students learn the difference between empirical formula and molecular formula, how to calculate empirical formula from mass or percentage composition, and how to use relative molecular mass to find the molecular formula.

Exam Papers
Paper 1 & 2
7405/1 and 7405/2
Specification Point
3.1.2.4
Empirical and molecular formula
Sub-topics
2 lessons
Revision notes available
Exam Board
AQA
AQA 7405

Revision Notes

2 revision notes, in the order the specification teaches them.

Summary Map

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Empirical and Molecular Formulae Map

AQA A-level Chemistry · 3.1.2 Amount of substance: empirical and molecular formulae

Empirical formulae from masses and percentages, awkward ratios, molecular formulae and combustion analysis on one A4 page.

Download the map6 key ideas + a data table · A4 portrait · print ready

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3.1.2.4

  1. i

    know that empirical formula is the simplest whole number ratio of atoms of each element in a compound

    Revise
  2. ii

    know that molecular formula is the actual number of atoms of each element in a compound

    Revise
  3. iii

    understand the relationship between empirical formula and molecular formula

    Revise
  4. iv

    calculate empirical formula from data giving composition by mass or percentage by mass

    Revise
  5. v

    calculate molecular formula from the empirical formula and relative molecular mass

    Revise