Question

how is molecular formula related to empirical formula?
it is equal to the empirical formula
one value uses atomic weights and the other uses atomic masses
it is not related
it can be equal but it is usually a simple integer multiple of the empirical formula

Explanation:

The empirical formula is the simplest whole-number ratio of atoms in a compound, while the molecular formula is the actual number of atoms in a molecule. The molecular formula can be identical to the empirical formula (e.g., H₂O, where both are the same) or a simple integer multiple of it (e.g., benzene: empirical formula CH, molecular formula C₆H₆, which is 6×CH). The other options are incorrect: they are not always equal, they do not differ by using atomic weights vs masses, and they are directly related.

Answer:

D. It can be equal but it is usually a simple integer multiple of the empirical formula