Final answer:
The compound C6H12O6 is glucose, consisting of 6 carbon atoms, 12 hydrogen atoms, and 6 oxygen atoms. Its empirical formula is CH₂O, representing a 1:2:1 ratio.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question is related to the molecular composition of a compound with the formula C6H12O6, which is glucose. In this formula, the numbers indicate the quantity of each type of atom present in a single molecule of glucose. There are 6 carbon atoms (C), 12 hydrogen atoms (H), and 6 oxygen atoms (O). The empirical formula of glucose, which represents the simplest whole-number ratio of the atoms, is CH₂O indicating a 1:2:1 ratio for C:H:O.
To find the molecular and empirical formulas of the compound, we can analyze the ratio of atoms by considering the molecular or molar mass. Using glucose as an example, we understand that (CH₂O)6 equals C6H12O6, demonstrating the relationship between the empirical and molecular formulas. This approach is equally valid when dealing with molar mass (g/mol) rather than molecular mass (amu).