Here's why:
* Ionic Compounds: Sodium chloride is an ionic compound. This means it's formed by the electrostatic attraction between positively charged sodium ions (Na+) and negatively charged chloride ions (Cl-).
* Lattice Structure: These ions arrange themselves in a repeating three-dimensional structure called a crystal lattice. There are no discrete NaCl molecules within the lattice.
* Formula Units: The formula NaCl represents the simplest ratio of ions in the compound, not a single molecule.
In contrast, compounds like water (H2O) or carbon dioxide (CO2) are molecular compounds. They consist of distinct molecules with a specific number of atoms bonded together.
