Which of the following best explains why a structural formula of a chemical compound is more useful than a molecular formula?

A. Both formulas identify the specific atoms in a particular compound. However, a structural formula also shows how the atoms in a compound are bonded together.
B. Both formulas identify the types of atoms in a particular compound. However, a structural formula also shows how many atoms of each type are in a compound.
C. Both formulas show the location of each valence electron in a particular compound. However, a structural formula also shows the ratio of protons to neutrons within a compound.
D .Both formulas show the ratio of protons to neutrons within a particular compound. However, a structural formula also shows the location of each valence electron in a compound.

The answer is A) Both formulas identify the specific in a particular compound. However, a structural formula also shows how the atoms in a compound are bonded together.

Molecular formula:
Advantage: shows chemical composition
Disadvantage: No structural information

Structural formula:
Advantage: shows chemical connectivity
Disadvantage: Minimal three dimensional

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IlaMends IlaMends · Answer 2 · 2018-12-03T08:34:30+01:00

Answer: the correct answer is (A).

Explanation:

Structural formula not only tells us about the number and types of atoms in a molecule but also tells us about the bonded positions of all the atoms in a molecule of that particular compound.

Molecular structure only tells us about the numbers of atoms and types of atoms present in a molecule of that particular compound.

For example: Molecular formula of propanone and propanal are same that is [tex]C_3H_6O[/tex] but structural formula is different that [tex]CH_3COCH_3[/tex] for propane and [tex]CH_3CH_2CHO[/tex] for propanal. Here structural formula is showing that how the atoms in propanone and propanal are bonded together.

Hence, the correct answer is option (A).