Question

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.

Answer 1

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

Answer 2

Answer: the correct answer is (A).

Step-by-step 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
`C_3H_6O` but structural formula is different that
`CH_3COCH_3` for propane and
`CH_3CH_2CHO` 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).