What does a molecular formula represent?

A molecular formula specifically indicates the actual number of atoms of each element present in a molecule of a compound. This formula allows us to understand the composition of the molecule in terms of its constituent elements, highlighting exactly how many of each type of atom are integrated into its structure.

For instance, the molecular formula for glucose is C6H12O6, which tells us that there are six carbon atoms, twelve hydrogen atoms, and six oxygen atoms in each molecule of glucose. This information is crucial in both chemical reactions and stoichiometry, as it helps predict how molecules will interact and combine.

While other aspects such as the ratio of elements and the arrangement of atoms are important in different contexts (like empirical formulas and structural formulas), they do not define the molecular formula. The total weight of a molecule is also not represented by the molecular formula; instead, it relates more to the molar mass calculated from the molecular formula itself.