What is meant by the term molecule explain why the term has no meaning for an ionic compound?

Answer 1

• The smallest particle of a substance that retains the chemical and physical properties of the substance and is composed of two or more atoms; a group of like or different atoms held together by chemical forces.

Answer 2

A molecule is a group of atoms held together by chemical bonds. In ionic compounds, atoms are held together by ionic bonds, not sharing electrons to form molecules. Ionic compounds exist as a lattice structure of positively and negatively charged ions rather than discrete molecules, so the term "molecule" does not apply.