Final answer:
Empirical formulas are the simplest whole-number ratio of elements in a compound. For the given options, H₂O₂ and N₂O₅ are already in their simplest form. Meanwhile, C₆H₁₂O₆ can be simplified to CH₂O, which is its empirical formula.
Step-by-step explanation:
The empirical formula of a compound represents the simplest whole-number ratio of the elements within it. When comparing molecular formulas to empirical formulas, if the molecular formula can be simplified to a smaller whole number ratio, then that simplified formula is the empirical formula.
- H₂O₂: This is already in its simplest form; thus, it is both the molecular and empirical formula.
- C₆H₁₂O₆: The molecular formula can be simplified to a ratio of 1:2:1, which results in the empirical formula CH₂O.
- CH₂O: This represents the simplest form, making it an empirical formula.
- N₂O₅: This can be simplified to a ratio of 2:5, but since these are already the smallest whole numbers, this is the empirical formula as well.
To determine the empirical formula, you divide the subscripts in the molecular formula by their greatest common divisor to get the simplest whole number ratio.