Which term represents the simplest whole-number ratio of atoms of the elements in a compound?

• A. Ionic formula
• B. Structural formula
• C. Empirical formula
• D. Molecular formula

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the question is asking for the term that describes the simplest whole-number ratio of atoms in a compound.
2. Recall the definitions of each term: An ionic formula shows the ratio of ions in an ionic compound, a structural formula shows how atoms are bonded and arranged, a molecular formula shows the actual number of atoms of each element in a molecule, and an empirical formula shows the simplest whole-number ratio of atoms.
3. Identify that the empirical formula reduces the number of atoms to the smallest whole-number ratio, which is exactly what the question describes.
4. Recognize that the molecular formula may show multiples of the empirical formula but is not necessarily the simplest ratio.
5. Conclude that the term representing the simplest whole-number ratio of atoms in a compound is the empirical formula.