The empirical formula mass of a covalent compound may be compared to the compound’s molecular or molar mass to derive a molecular formula The formula mass of a substance is the sum of the average atomic masses of each atom represented in the chemical formula and is expressed in atomic mass units.

The formula mass of a covalent compound is also called the molecular mass. Due to the use of the same reference substance in defining the atomic mass unit and the mole, the formula mass (amu) and molar mass (g/mol) for any substance are numerically equivalent (for example, one H 2 O molecule…

formula mass — sum of the average masses for all atoms represented in a chemical formula; for covalent compounds, this is also the molecular mass. formula mass of a substance — the sum of the average atomic masses of each atom represented in the chemical formula and is expressed in atomic mass units. solvent — solution component present in a concentration that is higher relative to other components. dissolved — describes the process by which solute components are dispersed in a solvent.