What is a chemical formula and how do you write it for ionic and covalent compounds?
Understand the Problem
The question relates to the concept of a chemical formula, detailing how it represents elements in a compound and how to write and name these formulas based on the type of compounds.
Answer
Chemical formulas represent elements and atom counts in compounds.
A chemical formula represents the elements in a compound and the number of atoms of each. For ionic compounds, use the ratio of ions to balance charges (e.g., NaCl). For covalent compounds, use prefixes to show the number of atoms (e.g., CO₂).
Answer for screen readers
A chemical formula represents the elements in a compound and the number of atoms of each. For ionic compounds, use the ratio of ions to balance charges (e.g., NaCl). For covalent compounds, use prefixes to show the number of atoms (e.g., CO₂).
More Information
Chemical formulas detail the composition of compounds. Ionic formulas balance charge through ion ratios, while covalent formulas use prefixes to indicate atom numbers.
Tips
A common mistake is confusing the use of prefixes in covalent compounds with ionic compounds, which rely on charge balance.
Sources
- Covalent and Ionic Compounds: Classification, Formulas, and ... - webassign.net
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