Final answer:
Polyatomic ions are charged entities composed of multiple covalently bonded atoms. Common examples include ammonium (NH4+), nitrate (NO3-), and sulfate (SO42-), which are crucial for various chemical reactions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Polyatomic ions are essential components in chemistry, which consist of several atoms covalently bonded that act as a single charged unit. Some common polyatomic ions include cations like the ammonium ion (NH4+), and various anions such as the nitrate ion (NO3−), which is comprised of one nitrogen atom and three oxygen atoms with an overall charge of 1-. It's advisable to memorize the names, formulas, and charges of these ions for ease of reference in chemical equations and reactions.
Common Polyatomic Ions
Nitrate (NO3−)
Nitrite (NO2−)
Sulfate (SO42−)
Sulfite (SO32−)
Ammonium (NH4+)
Carbonate (CO32−)
Phosphate (PO43−)
Hydroxide (OH−)
These ions are prevalent in both organic and inorganic chemistry, and understanding them is crucial for studying various chemical processes, including acid-base reactions, solubility, and electrochemistry.