Question

hi, Just want to ask how to define the term 'formula unit'.
Consider CuSO4．5H2O, what is the formula unit and the number of formula unit?

Answer 1

A formula unit in chemistry is the empirical formula of an ionic or covalent network solid compound used as an independent entity for stoichiometric calculations. It is the lowest whole number ratio of ions represented in an ionic compound. Examples include ionic NaCl and K2O and covalent networks such as SiO2 and C (as diamond or graphite).

Ionic compounds do not exist as individual molecules; a formula unit thus indicates the lowest reduced ratio of ions in the compound

Answer 2

Here, u may consider the formula unit to be 1, since the exact required formula unit is also given. The number of formula units:

Avogadro Number * Formula unit(given) = 6.022 * 10^23 * 1

Answer 3

but what is the answer for the question 'CuSO4．5H2O, what is the formula unit and the number of formula unit?' ?

Answer 4

i know that formula but the problem is if you don't know the formula unit of CuSO4．5H2O how can you do the calculation?