IB Chemistry SL Practice Exam 2026 – Your All-in-One Guide to Mastering Standard Level Chemistry!

The molecular formula accurately conveys the actual number of each type of atom present in a molecule. It specifies the identity of the elements and indicates how many atoms of each element are present in the compound. For example, in the molecular formula C6H12O6, there are six carbon atoms, twelve hydrogen atoms, and six oxygen atoms in one molecule of glucose.

This distinction is particularly important because while other forms of chemical formulas, such as empirical formulas, provide the simplest ratio of elements, the molecular formula gives a complete picture of the molecular composition. Therefore, B captures the essence of what a molecular formula stands for, emphasizing the specific quantities of each type of atom involved in the molecule.