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Author Topic: Formula Units  (Read 21711 times)

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noiseordinance

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Formula Units
« on: April 11, 2009, 06:08:07 PM »
Ok, I've done searches and have looked in two different chem books and I can't find anything that seems clear to me. Is a formula unit the same thing as an atom or molecule? For instance... a single formula unit of KI is just a single molecule of KI right?
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Astrokel

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Re: Formula Units
« Reply #1 on: April 11, 2009, 06:20:50 PM »
Strictly speaking, the appropriate term for KI should be formula unit and not molecular formula because KI is an ionic compound.

Check this out: http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_the_difference_between_a_formula_unit_and_a_molecular_formula
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noiseordinance

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Re: Formula Units
« Reply #2 on: April 11, 2009, 06:24:41 PM »
LOL, it's funny you linked that. That's actually one of the things I tried to read but I still didn't and don't get it...
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Astrokel

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Re: Formula Units
« Reply #3 on: April 11, 2009, 06:46:33 PM »
Quote
a single formula unit of KI is just a single molecule of KI right?
As mentioned, KI is not a covalent compound, thus it can't be considered as a molecule. So this is where the term formula unit comes in useful for ionic compound. Is that what you are confused on?
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noiseordinance

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Re: Formula Units
« Reply #4 on: April 11, 2009, 06:59:14 PM »
OOOoooooooohhh, ok, I get it. Covalents are considered molecules but ionics are not. That makes sense. I never knew that. So any time we have polyatomic ions, they are referred to as FU instead of molecules, is that right?
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Astrokel

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Re: Formula Units
« Reply #5 on: April 11, 2009, 07:26:46 PM »
Yep, but don't forget most polyatomic ion itself is covalently bonded.
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