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Multiple Choice
Which of the following is a correct formula unit of an ionic compound?
A
NaCl
B
CO2
C
CH4
D
HCl
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand what a formula unit represents. A formula unit is the simplest whole-number ratio of ions in an ionic compound, reflecting the composition of the compound in terms of its constituent ions.
Step 2: Identify the nature of each compound given. Ionic compounds are formed between metals and nonmetals, where electrons are transferred to form positive and negative ions.
Step 3: Analyze each option: NaCl consists of sodium (a metal) and chlorine (a nonmetal), which form ions Na⁺ and Cl⁻, making it an ionic compound with a formula unit NaCl.
Step 4: Recognize that CO₂ and CH₄ are molecular compounds composed of nonmetals bonded covalently, so they do not have formula units but molecular formulas.
Step 5: Note that HCl, although it contains a metal and a nonmetal, is a covalent molecule in its gaseous form and does not form an ionic lattice, so it is not represented by a formula unit.