146k views
3 votes
What is a monoatomic ion and how to look for a monoatomic ion (how to identify it).

User Hepidad
by
3.1k points

1 Answer

3 votes

The question requires us to talk about monoatomic ions.

First, we need to keep in mind that an ion consists in an atom or group of atoms that carries a positive or negative charge as a result of losing or receiving electrons.

A monoatomic ion is an ion that consists in just one atom. On the other hand, polyatomic ions are composed of more than one atom. We can identify a monoatomic ion when there is a charge (positive or negative) over just one atom.

For example: Na+ is a monoatomic ion, just like Ca2+, Cl- and O2-. On the other side, NO3-, SO42- and NH4+ are examples of polyatomic ions.

User Matthiasgiger
by
3.3k points