# Glucose has the molecular formula C₆H₁₂O₆. State the empirical formula of glucose and explain why the empirical formula of glucose is different from its molecular formula.

> Cambridge International IGCSE Chemistry (0620) — 3.1 Formulae · State and Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Empirical formula of glucose is CH₂O
2. The empirical formula shows the simplest whole number ratio of atoms of each element in the compound
3. The molecular formula shows the actual number of atoms of each element in one molecule
4. The ratios of C : H : O in C₆H₁₂O₆ can be simplified / divided by 6, giving a different (simpler) formula to the molecular formula

## Key terms

- [empirical formula](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/empirical-formula)
- [molecular formula](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/molecular-formula)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/glucose-has-the-molecular-formula-c-h-o-7f1f4c51) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.