General Formula

Contents

Key Stage 4

Meaning

A general formula is a way to represent the the ratio of atoms in a homologous series.

About General Fromulae

General formulae allow Chemists to predict the number of one type of atom in a compound using the number of another atom.

The general formulae you should know:

• Alkanes - C_nH_2n+2
• Alkenes - C_nH_2n
• Alcohols - C_nH_2n+2O
• Carboxylic Acids - C_nH_2nO₂

References

AQA

Formula, formulae, pages 17, 98-9, 106, GCSE Chemistry; Student Book, Collins, AQA