Final answer:
The MnO₄⁻ ion is an ion and not a neutral element or a molecule. Its molecular formula is MnO₄⁻. It is a covalent substance.
Step-by-step explanation:
The MnO₄⁻ ion is an ion and not a neutral element or a molecule. It is an ion because it has a charge of -1. The MnO₄⁻ ion is called manganate and it is an example of a polyatomic ion.
The molecular formula for the MnO₄⁻ ion is MnO₄⁻. The formula shows that there is one Mn atom and four O atoms bonded together to form the ion.
The MnO₄⁻ ion is a covalent substance. It is made up of a network of covalent bonds between the Mn atom and the O atoms. The Mn atom shares electrons with the O atoms to achieve a stable electron configuration.