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The one with the smallest subscripts that gives the correct ratios between the ions. Note that some of the ions may be polyatomic, and the internal subscripts within the formulas of these ions can not be changed; instead, parentheses are placed around the polyatomic ion formula and the subscript for the ion when needed is placed after the closing parenthesis.

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How do ionic compounds and the empirical formula relate?

The empirical formula of an ionic compound shows the simplest whole number ratio of ions present in the compound. Ionic compounds are formed when cations and anions combine in such a way that the charges balance to create a neutral compound. The empirical formula reflects this balanced ratio of ions in the compound.


How would you determine the difference between an ionic and covalent compound from its chemical formula?

To determine the difference between an ionic and a covalent compound from its chemical formula, you can look at the elements involved. Ionic compounds typically involve a metal and a nonmetal, while covalent compounds involve nonmetals only. Additionally, if the compound contains a metal combined with a polyatomic ion, it is likely ionic.


Do ionic compounds have molecular formula?

Ionic compounds do not have molecular formulas. Instead, they have empirical formulas that represent the simplest whole-number ratio of ions in the compound. Ionic compounds are formed by the combination of positive and negative ions held together by electrostatic forces.


Does the chemical formula of an ionic compound show the atoms in a molecule?

No, the chemical formula of an ionic compound does not show the atoms in a molecule. Instead, it represents the simplest ratio of ions in the compound. Ionic compounds exist as a lattice structure of alternating positive and negative ions, rather than discrete molecules.


What is the smallest representative unit in an ionic compound?

The smallest representative unit in an ionic compound is called a formula unit. It consists of the simplest ratio of ions that maintains electrical neutrality in the compound. Formula units are used to represent the composition of ionic compounds.

Related Questions

How do ionic compounds and the empirical formula relate?

The empirical formula of an ionic compound shows the simplest whole number ratio of ions present in the compound. Ionic compounds are formed when cations and anions combine in such a way that the charges balance to create a neutral compound. The empirical formula reflects this balanced ratio of ions in the compound.


How would you determine the difference between an ionic and covalent compound from its chemical formula?

To determine the difference between an ionic and a covalent compound from its chemical formula, you can look at the elements involved. Ionic compounds typically involve a metal and a nonmetal, while covalent compounds involve nonmetals only. Additionally, if the compound contains a metal combined with a polyatomic ion, it is likely ionic.


What is the relationship between a empirical formula and formula unit?

The empirical formula represents the simplest whole-number ratio of atoms in a compound, while the formula unit represents the combination of ions in an ionic compound. The empirical formula is used for covalent compounds, while the formula unit is used for ionic compounds.


Is K2Cr2O7 a formula unit or molecules?

K2Cr2O7 is a formula unit because it represents the simplest whole-number ratio of ions in the compound potassium dichromate. Formula units are used for ionic compounds, while molecules are used for covalent compounds.


Do ionic compounds have molecular formula?

Ionic compounds do not have molecular formulas. Instead, they have empirical formulas that represent the simplest whole-number ratio of ions in the compound. Ionic compounds are formed by the combination of positive and negative ions held together by electrostatic forces.


Does the chemical formula of an ionic compound show the atoms in a molecule?

No, the chemical formula of an ionic compound does not show the atoms in a molecule. Instead, it represents the simplest ratio of ions in the compound. Ionic compounds exist as a lattice structure of alternating positive and negative ions, rather than discrete molecules.


What is the smallest representative unit in an ionic compound?

The smallest representative unit in an ionic compound is called a formula unit. It consists of the simplest ratio of ions that maintains electrical neutrality in the compound. Formula units are used to represent the composition of ionic compounds.


An ionic compound is not represented by a molecular formula because an ionic compound?

An ionic compound is not represented by a molecular formula because it does not exist as discrete molecules. Instead, it exists as a three-dimensional array of positively and negatively charged ions held together by ionic bonds. The formula for an ionic compound represents the simplest ratio of the ions present in the compound.


What can be used to represent an ionic compound?

formula mass can be used for ionic compounds.


Why ionic compounds do not posses molecular formula?

it is not a molecule


Why do you use the term formula mass instead of molecular mass for ionic compound?

We use the term formula mass for ionic compounds because they do not exist as discrete molecules like covalent compounds. Instead, ionic compounds exist as a three-dimensional array of ions arranged in a crystal lattice. Therefore, the term formula mass better reflects the overall mass of the compound, considering all the atoms and ions present in its formula unit.


Is Cacl2 a molecular formula or formula unit?

CaCl2 is a formula unit because it represents the simplest ratio of ions in a compound made up of a metal cation (Ca2+) and a nonmetal anion (Cl-). Formula units are used for ionic compounds, while molecular formulas are used for covalent compounds.