Answered

Which of the following best explains why a structural formula of a chemical compound is more useful than a molecular formula?

ABoth formulas identify the specific atoms in a particular compound. However, a structural formula also shows how the atoms in a compound are bonded together.
BBoth formulas identify the types of atoms in a particular compound. However, a structural formula also shows how many atoms of each type are in a compound.
CBoth formulas show the location of each valence electron in a particular compound. However, a structural formula also shows the ratio of protons to neutrons within a compound.

D .Both formulas show the ratio of protons to neutrons within a particular compound. However, a structural formula also shows the location of each valence electron in a compound.

Verified Answer :

The answer is A) Both formulas identify the specific in a particular compound. However, a structural formula also shows how the atoms in a compound are bonded together.

Molecular formula: 
Advantage: shows chemical composition
Disadvantage: No structural information

Structural formula:
Advantage: shows chemical connectivity
Disadvantage: Minimal three dimensional 

Answer: the correct  answer is (A).

Explanation:

Structural formula not only tells us about the number and types of atoms in a molecule but also tells us about the bonded positions of all the atoms in a molecule of that particular compound.

Molecular structure only tells us about the numbers of atoms and types of atoms present in a molecule of that particular compound.

For example: Molecular formula of propanone and propanal are same that is \(C_3H_6O\) but structural formula is different that \(CH_3COCH_3\) for propane and \(CH_3CH_2CHO\) for propanal. Here structural formula is showing that how the atoms in propanone and propanal are bonded together.

Hence, the correct answer is option (A).

Related Questions