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 due to strong electrostatic forces.
b) Molecules have variable ratios due to covalent bonding.
c) Ionic compounds are more stable in simplest ratios.
d) Molecules exhibit diverse bonding patterns.

Answer 1

Ionic compounds are written based on the simplest ratio between ions, while molecules in covalent compounds have variable ratios due to covalent bonding.

Step-by-step explanation:

Ionic compounds are written based on the simplest ratio between ions because they are not made up of discrete molecules like covalent compounds. Instead, ionic compounds exist as crystal lattices containing many ions of the cation and anion. The formula for an ionic compound indicates the relative ratio of ions needed to balance the charges. On the other hand, molecules in covalent compounds have variable ratios due to the flexibility of covalent bonding.