Which statement best describes how chemical formulas represent chemical properties?

• A. Chemical formulas provide information about the color and odor of a compound.
• B. Chemical formulas indicate the types and ratios of atoms in a compound, which determine its chemical properties.
• C. Chemical formulas describe the energy required to break chemical bonds.
• D. Chemical formulas show the physical state of a substance at room temperature.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that a chemical formula is a symbolic representation of a compound that shows the types of atoms present and their relative numbers (ratios).
2. Recognize that the chemical properties of a compound depend on the kinds of atoms involved and how they are combined, which is directly indicated by the chemical formula.
3. Note that chemical formulas do not provide information about physical characteristics such as color, odor, or physical state, nor do they describe energy changes like bond energies.
4. Recall that properties like color, odor, and physical state are determined by molecular structure and intermolecular forces, which are not explicitly shown in a chemical formula.
5. Conclude that the best description is that chemical formulas indicate the types and ratios of atoms in a compound, which in turn influence its chemical properties.