How is the molecular formula of a compound determined?

The molecular formula of a compound provides a clear representation of the actual number of each type of atom present in a molecule of that compound. This is determined by analyzing the information available from chemical composition. When determining the molecular formula, chemists use methods such as spectroscopy or mass spectrometry to accurately assess how many atoms of each element are present in a given molecule.

For instance, in glucose (C6H12O6), the molecular formula indicates that there are 6 carbon atoms, 12 hydrogen atoms, and 6 oxygen atoms in a single molecule. Knowing the precise counts of each element is crucial for understanding the compound's chemical behavior and properties. This is distinct from other considerations such as the total mass of the compound or its physical properties, which do not directly inform the molecular formula.