The formula of a compound represents

Options

A. an atom
B. a particle
C. a molecule
D. a combination

Answer

To solve the question "The formula of a compound represents," we need to analyze what a chemical formula indicates about a compound.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Chemical Formulas**: A chemical formula is a way of expressing the composition of a compound. It shows the types and numbers of atoms that are present in the compound.

2. **Identifying the Components**: The formula consists of symbols for the elements involved and subscripts that indicate the number of each type of atom in the molecule. For example, in NaCl (sodium chloride), 'Na' represents sodium and 'Cl' represents chlorine.

3. **Analyzing the Options**:
- **Option A: Atom** - This is incorrect because a formula does not represent just a single atom.
- **Option B: Particle** - This is vague and does not specifically define what kind of particle is being referred to.
- **Option C: Molecule** - This is correct because a formula represents a whole molecule made up of atoms.
- **Option D: Combination** - While a compound is a combination of elements, this option does not specifically convey that it is a molecule.

4. **Conclusion**: Since the formula of a compound specifically represents the arrangement and number of atoms within a molecule, the correct answer is **C: Molecule**.

### Final Answer:
The formula of a compound represents a **molecule**.

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