Why do we use the term formula unit for ionic compounds instead of the term molecule?

Why do we use the term “formula unit” rather than “molecule” when we refer to the simplest repeating unit of an ionic solid? The term formula unit is use to indicate Simple-Whole Ratios of ions in a compound. Also they form crystal lattices and not molecules. Molecules are much smaller.

What is the difference between a molecular compound and an ionic compound formula unit?

Molecular compounds are pure substances formed when atoms are linked together by sharing of electrons while ionic compounds are formed due to the transfer of electrons. 2. Molecular compounds are made due to covalent bonding while ionic compounds are made due to ionic bonding.

Why are ionic compounds always represented by their empirical formula but molecular compounds are not?

Water and other molecules exist as collections of individual molecules (see figure below) while ionic compounds do not exist as discrete molecular units. The formula for ionic compounds is always an empirical formula because it shows the smallest, whole-number ratio between the cations and anions.

What does the formula unit of an ionic compound represent?

The chemical formula of an ionic compound represents the simplest ratio of the compound’s combined ions that gives electrical neutrality.

Why is it incorrect to use the term molecule when describing the fundamental particle of an ionic compound what term should be used instead?

1) In ionic compounds the ratio between cations and anions is given by the formula for the molecule. 2) In ionic compounds the ratio between cations and anions is given by the formula unit. 5) The term is incorrect because ionic compounds exist as molecules.

Why is it reasonable to use the term formula weight rather than molecular weight?

NaCl is an ionic compound and has no molecular entity therefore it is imperfect to define the molecular weight. Formula weight is used for NaCl as it is an ionic compund. Sodium chloride do not exist as individual molecules. Therefore, it is appropriate to use the term formula weight for this type of compound.

What is the difference between molecular units and formula units?

A molecule refers to two or more elements that are covalently-bonded together. For example, in one mole of H2O there would be 6.022 x 10^23 molecules of H2O. A formula unit refers to the lowest whole number ratio (like an empirical formula) of a compound with an ionic bond.

Is it more important to know the empirical formula of the molecular formula for a compound?

The molecular formula is most useful when you wish to know how many atoms of the elements are present in the compound. It gives more information than the empirical formula, and is therefore more common. The molecular formula is especially important when you start to work with organic chemistry.

What is the difference between a chemical formula A molecular formula a formula unit and an empirical formula?

Chemical formulas tell you how many atoms of each element are in a compound, and empirical formulas tell you the simplest or most reduced ratio of elements in a compound. Combustion analysis can determine the empirical formula of a compound, but cannot determine the chemical formula (other techniques can though).

What is the difference between empirical formula and formula unit?

Re: Formula Units vs Empirical Formula Empirical formula is the simplest ratio of atoms in a molecule. A formula unit would just be the empirical formula in an molecule.

What does the chemical formula formula unit of an ionic compound indicate about the structures that make up the compound?

The chemical formula for an ionic compound is called a formula unit. 1) A formula unit represents the simplest ratio of elements in a (crystal) of an ionic compound.