Which term describes a compound that is built from discrete molecules rather than an extended ionic lattice?

Which term describes a compound that is built from discrete molecules rather than an extended ionic lattice?

• A. Molecular Compound
• B. Ionic Compound
• C. Crystal
• D. Subscript

Answer: (A)

This question tests how a compound is bonded and arranged. A compound built from discrete molecules consists of separate, individual molecules held together by covalent bonds, not a continuous network of ions. That describes a molecular compound, where units stay as distinct molecules rather than merging into one extended lattice. In contrast, an ionic compound forms a lattice of alternating positive and negative ions bound by electrostatic forces, not discrete molecules. A crystal is a solid with an ordered arrangement, which can describe many substances (ionic or covalent) but doesn’t specify that the material is made of separate molecules. A subscript is just a number indicating how many atoms are present in a molecule, not the bonding type. So the term that fits best is molecular compound.

This question tests how a compound is bonded and arranged. A compound built from discrete molecules consists of separate, individual molecules held together by covalent bonds, not a continuous network of ions. That describes a molecular compound, where units stay as distinct molecules rather than merging into one extended lattice. In contrast, an ionic compound forms a lattice of alternating positive and negative ions bound by electrostatic forces, not discrete molecules. A crystal is a solid with an ordered arrangement, which can describe many substances (ionic or covalent) but doesn’t specify that the material is made of separate molecules. A subscript is just a number indicating how many atoms are present in a molecule, not the bonding type. So the term that fits best is molecular compound.