Step 1: Understand that a molecular formula shows the number and type of atoms in a molecule.
Step 2: Identify the main components of benzoic acid, which is a type of carboxylic acid.
Step 3: Recognize that benzoic acid has a benzene ring (C6H5) and a carboxyl group (COOH).
Step 4: Count the atoms: The benzene ring has 6 carbon (C) atoms and 5 hydrogen (H) atoms, and the carboxyl group adds 1 carbon and 2 oxygen (O) atoms.
Step 5: Add the atoms together: 6 C (from benzene) + 1 C (from carboxyl) = 7 C; 5 H + 1 H (from carboxyl) = 6 H; and 2 O (from carboxyl) = 2 O.
Step 6: Write the molecular formula by combining the counts: C7H6O2.
