What does the molecular formula of a compound specifically show?

The molecular formula of a compound specifically indicates the exact number of atoms of each element present in a molecule. For example, in the molecular formula (C_6H_{12}O_6) for glucose, it shows there are six carbon (C) atoms, twelve hydrogen (H) atoms, and six oxygen (O) atoms in one molecule of glucose. This detailed representation is crucial for understanding the composition of the compound and is foundational for predicting its chemical behavior, reactivity, and interactions in various contexts. The molecular formula does not convey information about ionic charges, molecular mass, or overall chemical behavior, which distinguishes its function from other chemical notations.