There are two types of compounds: molecular and ionic compounds. For molecular compounds, a molecular formula represents the number and kinds of atoms in the molecule. The molecular formula also tells us the lowest whole number ratio between the atoms in the compound. For example, water is represented by the formula H2O. This formula indicates that
Compounds Compounds are pure substances that differ from elements because they contain more than one kind of atom. The Law of Definite Composition (or the Law of Definite Proportions) applies to compounds. For example, sodium chloride contains one atom of sodium for each atom of chlorine. Water contains two atoms of hydrogen for each atom