Understanding the Concepts

* Formula Units: A formula unit represents the smallest unit of an ionic compound. It's like a molecule for covalent compounds.

* Moles: A mole is a unit of measurement for the amount of substance. One mole of any substance contains Avogadro's number of particles (6.022 x 10^23 particles).

Steps

1. Recognize the Relationship: Since one mole of any substance contains Avogadro's number of particles, we can use this relationship to convert between moles and formula units.

2. Conversion:

* Start with the given number of moles of acetate: 0.87 moles

* Multiply by Avogadro's number: 0.87 moles * (6.022 x 10^23 formula units/mole)

3. Calculate:

* The result is approximately 5.24 x 10^23 formula units of sodium acetate.

Therefore, there are approximately 5.24 x 10^23 formula units of sodium acetate in 0.87 moles of acetate.