Final answer:
The statement is true; a polyatomic ion's name often derives from its central non-metal atom. This central atom is typically the least electronegative element in the ion and plays a crucial role in the molecular geometry and naming conventions of the ion.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that the other part of a polyatomic ion's name comes from the "central" non-metal atom is true. The central atom in a polyatomic ion is usually the least electronegative element, excluding hydrogen and halogens which are commonly terminal.
For example, in sulfate , sulfur is the central atom. The naming of polyatomic anions typically involves taking the name of the central atom, other than oxygen, and altering the last syllable to –ate, if oxygen is present in the ion.
Additionally, the molecular structure and naming conventions of polyatomic ions depend on the valence electrons of the central atom and the presence of oxygen atoms. For instance, phosphate has a charge determined by phosphorus' valence electrons minus twice the number of oxygen atoms.
The central atom plays a key role in the geometry of molecules and ions, where lone pairs of electrons can alter the molecular geometry, following the electron domain geometry principles.