What does the term "empirical formula" refer to in chemistry?

The term "empirical formula" specifically refers to the representation of the simplest whole-number ratio of elements present in a compound. This means it shows the relative proportions of each type of atom in the compound without detailing the actual number of atoms or the molecule's structure.

For instance, in glucose (C6H12O6), the empirical formula would be CH2O, which reflects the simplest whole-number ratio of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms in the compound. This distinction is crucial in chemistry, as it provides a basic understanding of the composition of a compound, while the molecular formula would indicate the actual number of each type of atom.

This definition excludes the focus on connectivity or structural details, which are aspects of molecular formulas or structural formulas. Thus, the choice accurately encapsulates the essence of what an empirical formula is in chemistry.