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Question
2 what does a molecular formula show?
a the type and number of atoms in one molecule of a substance
b the total number of atoms in a substance
c the weight of a given substance
A molecular formula represents the type and number of atoms in one molecule of a substance. For example, in the molecular formula \(H_2O\), it shows that there are 2 hydrogen (\(H\)) atoms and 1 oxygen (\(O\)) atom in one molecule of water. It does not show the total number of atoms in a substance (as that would depend on the amount of the substance, e.g., in a sample with multiple molecules) or the weight of a given substance (weight is related to molar mass and amount, not directly shown by the molecular formula).
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A. The type and number of atoms in one molecule of a substance