Assuming a periodic inventory system is used, the entry to record a purchase of merchandise on credit includes:Multiple Choicea debit to Purchases and a credit to Accounts Payable.a debit to Accounts Payable and a credit to Purchases.a debit to Purchases and a credit to Accounts Receivable.a credit to Purchases and a credit to Accounts Payable.

The correct answer is: a debit to Purchases and a credit to Accounts Payable.

Here's why:

1. When a company purchases merchandise on credit, it means the company is buying goods now and will pay for them later. This increases the company's inventory (the goods it has bought) and also increases its liabilities (the money it owes).

2. In accounting, a debit to an account means that account is increasing. So, a debit to Purchases increases the Purchases account, reflecting the fact that the company now has more goods in its inventory.

3. A credit to an account means that account is decreasing. But in the case of Accounts Payable, which is a liability account, a credit actually increases the account. This is because liabilities are on the right side of the accounting equation (Assets = Liabilities + Equity), and increases on the right side are recorded as credits. So, a credit to Accounts Payable reflects the fact that the company now owes more money.

4. Therefore, the correct journal entry to record a purchase of merchandise on credit is a debit to Purchases and a credit to Accounts Payable.