In the ionic compound AgNO_3, how many silver ions are present in one formula unit?

• A. 1
• B. 0
• C. 2
• D. 3

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the chemical formula given: AgNO_3, which represents silver nitrate.
2. Understand that a formula unit represents the simplest ratio of ions in an ionic compound.
3. Recognize that in AgNO_3, the subscript '1' for Ag (silver) is implied, meaning there is one silver ion per formula unit.
4. Note that NO_3 is the nitrate polyatomic ion, and it does not affect the number of silver ions directly.
5. Conclude that there is exactly one silver ion (Ag^+) present in one formula unit of AgNO_3.