Which term is defined as a formula that shows the location of the atoms relative to one another in a molecule and indicates the number and location of chemical bonds?

• A. Lewis Structure
• B. Ionic Compound
• C. Formula Unit
• D. Structural Formula

Answer: (D)

Understanding how a molecule is put together is tested by recognizing representations that show which atoms are connected and how. A structural formula directly shows how atoms are arranged and the bonds between them, giving the number and location of those bonds, so you can see which atoms are linked and in what connectivity. A Lewis structure, while related, emphasizes valence electrons and bond types and often shows lone pairs, which isn’t the focus of this description. An ionic compound or a formula unit describes composition in terms of ion ratios or lattice units, not the specific connectivity of atoms within a discrete molecule. Therefore, the term that best matches the description is the structural formula.