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What is the smallest particle of a compound?

Answer 1

See the explanation.

If the compound is covalent (contains only nonmetals), the smallest particle would be a molecule. A molecule is formed when atoms share electrons. The sharing of electrons forms a covalent bond.

If the compound is ionic (contains a metal cation and a nonmetal anion, or a polyatomic ion), the smallest particle would be a formula unit, which represents the smallest whole number ratio between the elements. This is because ionic compounds form crystal lattices, and there is no discrete smallest particle like a molecule.

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Answer 2

Mateo Aguilar

A molecule is the smallest unit of a compound.

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Answer from HIX Tutor

When evaluating a one-sided limit, you need to be careful when a quantity is approaching zero since its sign is different depending on which way it is approaching zero from. Let us look at some examples.