A chemical formula shows the kinds and numbers of atoms in the smallest representative unit of a substance.
Explanation:
In chemistry, a formula unit is the empirical formula of "ionic or covalent network solid compound" that is used as an independent entity for "stoichiometric calculations". This formula is a representation of a molecule that uses chemical symbols.
The unit is the lowest whole number ratio of ions represented in an ionic compound. It gives the numbers of atoms representing the "smallest representative" unit of a substance. The number of atoms also tells us about the chemical and physical properties of the compound formed.