What are polyatomic ions?

Polyatomic ions are ions that are composed of more than one atom. They are covalently bonded groups of atoms that carry a net electrical charge. This means they have an unequal number of protons and electrons. Unlike monatomic ions (like Na+ or Cl-), these ions consist of multiple atoms acting as a single unit with an overall charge. Examples include:

• Nitrate (NO₃⁻): A negatively charged ion consisting of one nitrogen atom and three oxygen atoms.
• Sulfate (SO₄²⁻): A negatively charged ion consisting of one sulfur atom and four oxygen atoms.
• Phosphate (PO₄³⁻): A negatively charged ion consisting of one phosphorus atom and four oxygen atoms.
• Ammonium (NH₄⁺): A positively charged ion consisting of one nitrogen atom and four hydrogen atoms.
• Hydroxide (OH⁻): A negatively charged ion consisting of one oxygen atom and one hydrogen atom.

These polyatomic ions are crucial in many chemical reactions and are found in a wide variety of compounds.