Molecular Formula Definition

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By
Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.
Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.
Chemistry Expert
  • Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences, University of Tennessee at Knoxville
  • B.A., Physics and Mathematics, Hastings College
Dr. Helmenstine holds a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences and is a science writer, educator, and consultant. She has taught science courses at the high school, college, and graduate levels.
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Updated on July 03, 2019

Molecular Formula Definition: An expression which states the number and type of atoms present in a molecule of a substance.

Examples: There are 6 C atoms and 14 H atoms in a hexane molecule, which has a molecular formula of C6H14.

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Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Molecular Formula Definition." ThoughtCo, Aug. 25, 2020, thoughtco.com/molecular-formula-definition-606378. Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. (2020, August 25). Molecular Formula Definition. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/molecular-formula-definition-606378 Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Molecular Formula Definition." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/molecular-formula-definition-606378 (accessed March 28, 2023).