What is a Polyatomic Ion?
Answer – A polyatomic ion is a group of covalently bonded atoms where the total number of electrons present is not equal to the total number of protons present.
Explanation:
Ions are essentially atoms that have gained or lost electrons, which gives them a negative or positive charge respectively.
However, it is not just single atoms that can behave in this charged manner. In some cases, covalently bonded molecules have an unequal number of electrons and protons causing them to carry a positive or negative charge. Such molecules may be known as polyatomic ions. Examples of polyatomic ions include hydroxide (OH–), ammonium (NH4+), and sulfate (SO42-).
