The formula unit for an ionic compound is determined by balancing the charges of the constituent ions to create a neutral compound. For example, sodium chloride has a formula unit NaCl.
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Molecular mass applies to covalent compounds, representing the sum of atomic masses in a molecule, while formula unit mass applies to ionic compounds, representing the sum of atomic masses in a formula unit.
Formula unit mass is calculated by adding the atomic masses of all the atoms present in a formula unit of a compound, similar to calculating molecular mass.
Formula unit mass is the sum of the atomic masses of all the atoms in a formula unit of a compound, particularly for substances whose constituent particles are ions.
Molecular mass is expressed in atomic mass units (u) because it represents the relative mass of a molecule based on the standard unit of atomic mass, which is the mass of a carbon-12 atom.