Question

Which pair of elements is most likely to be part of a polyatomic ion?

a. Mn and O
b. Li and Br (uppercase L lowercase i and uppercase B lowercase r)
c. K and Cl (uppercase K and uppercase C lowercase l)
d. Ca and O

Answer 1

The pair Ca and O is most likely to be part of a polyatomic ion, such as carbonate (CO3^2-) or oxide (O^2-).

Step-by-step explanation:

The pair of elements most likely to be part of a polyatomic ion is d. Ca and O (calcium and oxygen). Calcium and oxygen can combine to form the polyatomic ion known as the carbonate ion (CO32-) in combination with carbon, or the oxide ion (O2-) when found alone. Polyatomic ions are charged entities consisting of multiple atoms bonded together, and they act as a singular charged species when forming compounds. Neither Mn and O, Li and Br, nor K and Cl typically form polyatomic ions as they usually result in the formation of monatomic ions.