Question

select the answer choice that best explains the difference between molecular and structural formulas

a molecular formula shows how the elements are arranged while the structural formula shows how many of each element there are.

a molecular formula shows the number and type of different elements while the structural formula shows how the elements are arranged.

a molecular formula shows the number of electrons while the structural formula shows the number of protons.

a molecular formula shows the number of molecules while the structural formula shows how the molecules interact

Explanation:

Define molecular formula

A molecular formula indicates the exact number and type of atoms of each element present in a molecule.

Define structural formula

A structural formula shows how those atoms are spatially arranged and chemically bonded to one another.

Compare the given options

• Option 1 reverses the two definitions.
• Option 2 correctly identifies that a molecular formula shows the number and type of elements, while a structural formula shows their arrangement.
• Option 3 incorrectly references subatomic particles (electrons and protons).
• Option 4 incorrectly references interactions between different molecules.

Select the correct choice

Option 2 is the only accurate description of the difference.

Answer:

• A molecular formula shows how the elements are arranged while the structural formula shows how many of each element there are.
• A molecular formula shows the number and type of different elements while the structural formula shows how the elements are arranged. (Correct answer)
• A molecular formula shows the number of electrons while the structural formula shows the number of protons.
• A molecular formula shows the number of molecules while the structural formula shows how the molecules interact