Which of the following statements concerning differences between ionic and molecular compounds is correct?

Molecular compounds contains two elements, and ionic compounds contain three of more elements

ionic compounds contain oxygen, and molecular compounds do not.

molecular compounds possess a molecular structural unit, and ionic compounds do not

more than one correct response

no correct response

Thanks

1 could be right in some cases but not always.

2 could be right in some cases but not always.
3 is always correct.

The correct statement is: molecular compounds possess a molecular structural unit, and ionic compounds do not.

The correct statement concerning the differences between ionic and molecular compounds is that molecular compounds possess a molecular structural unit, and ionic compounds do not.

To arrive at this answer, let's break down the options:

- Option 1: "Molecular compounds contain two elements, and ionic compounds contain three or more elements." This statement is incorrect because both molecular compounds and ionic compounds can contain different numbers of elements. The number of elements in a compound is not a defining difference between molecular and ionic compounds.

- Option 2: "Ionic compounds contain oxygen, and molecular compounds do not." This statement is also incorrect. Both molecular compounds and ionic compounds can contain oxygen, depending on the specific composition of the compounds. So the presence or absence of oxygen does not differentiate between ionic and molecular compounds.

- Option 3: "Molecular compounds possess a molecular structural unit, and ionic compounds do not." This statement is correct. Molecular compounds are formed by covalent bonding, which involves sharing of electrons between atoms and forms a distinct molecule. Each molecule of a molecular compound contains a specific arrangement of atoms held together by covalent bonds. In contrast, ionic compounds are formed by the transfer of electrons between atoms, creating positively and negatively charged ions. In ionic compounds, there is no discrete molecular structure; instead, the ions are arranged in a crystal lattice.

So, in conclusion, the correct statement is that molecular compounds possess a molecular structural unit, and ionic compounds do not.