Which of the following statements is false?

• A. Ionic compounds always contain positive and negative ions.
• B. The formula for an ionic compound must be neutral.
• C. The formula for an ionic compound reflects the smallest whole-number ratio of ions.
• D. All the above statements are true.
• E. All the above statements are false.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the nature of ionic compounds: Ionic compounds are formed by the electrostatic attraction between positive and negative ions. This means they always contain both types of ions.
2. Consider the neutrality of ionic compounds: The overall charge of an ionic compound must be zero, meaning the total positive charge must balance the total negative charge.
3. Examine the formula representation: The chemical formula of an ionic compound represents the smallest whole-number ratio of the ions that results in a neutral compound.
4. Evaluate each statement: Analyze each statement based on the above principles to determine if they are true or false.
5. Conclude based on analysis: Since all the statements align with the fundamental properties of ionic compounds, the correct conclusion is that all the statements are true.