The empirical formula of a compound represents the simplest whole-number ratio of atoms of each element present in the compound. It gives the relative number of atoms of each element in a compound but does not necessarily represent the actual number of atoms in a molecule. To find the empirical formula of a compound, you typically follow these steps: Determine the masses of the elements: You start by determining the mass of each element present in the compound. Convert masses to moles: Next, you convert the masses of each element to moles using the molar mass of each element (found on the periodic table). Determine the mole ratio: Determine the simplest whole-number ratio of moles of each element in the compound. Write the empirical formula: Finally, write the empirical formula using the mole ratios obtained. The subscripts in the formula represent the number of atoms of each element in the compound.