What is a polyatomic ion?

A polyatomic ion is an ion composed of two or more atoms covalently bonded together and carrying a net electrical charge. These ions are typically formed when a molecule gains or loses one or more electrons, resulting in an overall charge.

Polyatomic ions can be positively or negatively charged, depending on whether they have gained or lost electrons. Some common examples of polyatomic ions include sulfate (SO4 2-), nitrate (NO3 -), and ammonium (NH4 +).

Polyatomic ions play a crucial role in chemistry, as they are often involved in the formation of ionic compounds and play a key role in many chemical reactions. They are an important concept to understand for students studying chemistry, as they appear frequently in chemical equations and formulas.