Question

Why are formulas of ionic compounds written based on the simplest ratio between ions, while molecules are not?

a) Ionic compounds have fixed ratios
b) Ionic compounds have variable ratios
c) Molecules have fixed ratios
d) Molecules have variable ratios

Answer 1

Ionic compounds are written based on the simplest ratio between ions because they do not exist as discrete molecules. The formula of an ionic compound represents the lowest whole-number ratio of the atoms of the constituent elements.

Step-by-step explanation:

Ionic compounds are written based on the simplest ratio between ions because they do not exist as discrete molecules. Instead, they form crystal lattices containing many ions of the cation and anion. The formula of an ionic compound represents the lowest whole-number ratio of the atoms of the constituent elements.