Common Polyatomic Ions$[ \begin{tabular}{|c|c|c|c|} \hline Chemical Name & Chemical Formula & Chemical Name & Chemical Formula \ \hline acetate & C 2 H 3 O 2 − C _2 H _3 O _2{ }^{-} C 2 ​ H 3 ​ O 2 ​ − & Nitrite & N O 2 − NO _2{ }^{-} N O 2 ​ − \ \hline carbonate & C O 3 2 − CO _3{ }^{2-} C O 3 ​ 2 − &

Polyatomic ions are groups of atoms that have a charge, and they are an essential part of chemistry. These ions are formed when a group of atoms share electrons and gain or lose electrons to become charged. In this article, we will discuss common polyatomic ions, their chemical formulas, and names.

What are Polyatomic Ions?

Polyatomic ions are groups of atoms that have a charge. They are formed when a group of atoms share electrons and gain or lose electrons to become charged. Polyatomic ions can be either positively charged or negatively charged. The charge on a polyatomic ion is determined by the number of electrons it gains or loses.

Types of Polyatomic Ions

There are two main types of polyatomic ions: cations and anions. Cations are positively charged polyatomic ions, while anions are negatively charged polyatomic ions.

Cations

Cations are positively charged polyatomic ions. They are formed when a group of atoms loses electrons to become charged. Cations are typically formed by metals, which are elements that lose electrons to form ions.

Anions

Anions are negatively charged polyatomic ions. They are formed when a group of atoms gains electrons to become charged. Anions are typically formed by nonmetals, which are elements that gain electrons to form ions.

Common Polyatomic Ions

There are many common polyatomic ions that are used in chemistry. Some of the most common polyatomic ions include:

Acetate Ion

The acetate ion is a negatively charged polyatomic ion with the chemical formula $C_2H_3O_2^-$. It is formed when an acetic acid molecule loses a hydrogen ion.

Nitrite Ion

The nitrite ion is a negatively charged polyatomic ion with the chemical formula $NO_2^-$. It is formed when a nitric acid molecule loses a hydrogen ion.

Carbonate Ion

The carbonate ion is a negatively charged polyatomic ion with the chemical formula $CO_3^{2-}$. It is formed when a carbonic acid molecule loses two hydrogen ions.

Sulfate Ion

The sulfate ion is a negatively charged polyatomic ion with the chemical formula $SO_4^{2-}$. It is formed when a sulfuric acid molecule loses two hydrogen ions.

Phosphate Ion

The phosphate ion is a negatively charged polyatomic ion with the chemical formula $PO_4^{3-}$. It is formed when a phosphoric acid molecule loses three hydrogen ions.

Ammonium Ion

The ammonium ion is a positively charged polyatomic ion with the chemical formula $NH_4^+$. It is formed when an ammonia molecule loses an electron.

Hydroxide Ion

The hydroxide ion is a negatively charged polyatomic ion with the chemical formula $OH^-$. It is formed when a water molecule loses a hydrogen ion.

Chemical Formulas and Names

Polyatomic ions have specific chemical formulas and names. The chemical formula of a polyatomic ion is the number of atoms of each element that make up the ion. The name of a polyatomic ion is the name of the element or elements that make up the ion, followed by the suffix "-ate" or "-ite".

Chemical Formulas

The chemical formula of a polyatomic ion is the number of atoms of each element that make up the ion. For example, the chemical formula of the acetate ion is $C_2H_3O_2^-$. This means that the acetate ion is made up of two carbon atoms, three hydrogen atoms, and two oxygen atoms.

Names

The name of a polyatomic ion is the name of the element or elements that make up the ion, followed by the suffix "-ate" or "-ite". For example, the name of the acetate ion is acetate. The name of the nitrite ion is nitrite.

Importance of Polyatomic Ions

Polyatomic ions are important in chemistry because they are used to form many different compounds. Polyatomic ions can be used to form acids, bases, and salts. They can also be used to form many different types of molecules, including proteins, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids.

Acids and Bases

Polyatomic ions can be used to form acids and bases. Acids are substances that donate a hydrogen ion, while bases are substances that accept a hydrogen ion. Polyatomic ions can be used to form acids and bases by losing or gaining electrons.

Salts

Polyatomic ions can be used to form salts. Salts are substances that are formed when a polyatomic ion combines with a metal ion. Salts can be used to form many different types of compounds, including acids, bases, and other salts.

Molecules

Polyatomic ions can be used to form many different types of molecules, including proteins, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids. These molecules are important in many different biological processes, including metabolism, growth, and reproduction.

Conclusion

Polyatomic ions are groups of atoms that have a charge. They are formed when a group of atoms share electrons and gain or lose electrons to become charged. Polyatomic ions can be either positively charged or negatively charged. The charge on a polyatomic ion is determined by the number of electrons it gains or loses. Polyatomic ions are important in chemistry because they are used to form many different compounds, including acids, bases, and salts. They can also be used to form many different types of molecules, including proteins, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids.

Common Polyatomic Ions Table

Chemical Name	Chemical Formula	Charge
Acetate	$C_2H_3O_2^-$	-1
Nitrite	$NO_2^-$	-1
Carbonate	$CO_3^{2-}$	-2
Sulfate	$SO_4^{2-}$	-2
Phosphate	$PO_4^{3-}$	-3
Ammonium	$NH_4^+$	+1
Hydroxide	$OH^-$	-1

References

• "Chemistry: The Central Science" by Theodore L. Brown, H. Eugene LeMay, and Bruce E. Bursten
• "General Chemistry: Principles and Modern Applications" by Linus Pauling
• "Chemistry: An Atoms First Approach" by Steven S. Zumdahl
  Common Polyatomic Ions Q&A =============================

In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about common polyatomic ions.

Q: What is a polyatomic ion?

A: A polyatomic ion is a group of atoms that have a charge. They are formed when a group of atoms share electrons and gain or lose electrons to become charged.

Q: What are the different types of polyatomic ions?

A: There are two main types of polyatomic ions: cations and anions. Cations are positively charged polyatomic ions, while anions are negatively charged polyatomic ions.

Q: What is the difference between a cation and an anion?

A: A cation is a positively charged polyatomic ion, while an anion is a negatively charged polyatomic ion. Cations are typically formed by metals, which are elements that lose electrons to form ions. Anions are typically formed by nonmetals, which are elements that gain electrons to form ions.

Q: What are some common polyatomic ions?

A: Some common polyatomic ions include:

• Acetate ion ($C_2H_3O_2^-$)
• Nitrite ion ($NO_2^-$)
• Carbonate ion ($CO_3^{2-}$)
• Sulfate ion ($SO_4^{2-}$)
• Phosphate ion ($PO_4^{3-}$)
• Ammonium ion ($NH_4^+$)
• Hydroxide ion ($OH^-$)

Q: What is the chemical formula of a polyatomic ion?

A: The chemical formula of a polyatomic ion is the number of atoms of each element that make up the ion. For example, the chemical formula of the acetate ion is $C_2H_3O_2^-$, which means that the acetate ion is made up of two carbon atoms, three hydrogen atoms, and two oxygen atoms.

Q: What is the name of a polyatomic ion?

A: The name of a polyatomic ion is the name of the element or elements that make up the ion, followed by the suffix "-ate" or "-ite". For example, the name of the acetate ion is acetate, while the name of the nitrite ion is nitrite.

Q: Why are polyatomic ions important in chemistry?

A: Polyatomic ions are important in chemistry because they are used to form many different compounds, including acids, bases, and salts. They can also be used to form many different types of molecules, including proteins, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids.

Q: Can polyatomic ions be used to form acids and bases?

A: Yes, polyatomic ions can be used to form acids and bases. Acids are substances that donate a hydrogen ion, while bases are substances that accept a hydrogen ion. Polyatomic ions can be used to form acids and bases by losing or gaining electrons.

Q: Can polyatomic ions be used to form salts?

A: Yes, polyatomic ions can be used to form salts. Salts are substances that are formed when a polyatomic ion combines with a metal ion. Salts can be used to form many different types of compounds, including acids, bases, and other salts.

Q: Can polyatomic ions be used to form molecules?

A: Yes, polyatomic ions can be used to form many different types of molecules, including proteins, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids. These molecules are important in many different biological processes, including metabolism, growth, and reproduction.

Q: How do polyatomic ions form?

A: Polyatomic ions form when a group of atoms share electrons and gain or lose electrons to become charged. This process is called ionization.

Q: What is the charge on a polyatomic ion?

A: The charge on a polyatomic ion is determined by the number of electrons it gains or loses. If a polyatomic ion gains electrons, it becomes negatively charged. If a polyatomic ion loses electrons, it becomes positively charged.

Q: Can polyatomic ions be used in everyday life?

A: Yes, polyatomic ions are used in many different everyday applications, including:

• Food and drink: Polyatomic ions are used to form many different types of food and drink, including acids, bases, and salts.
• Medicine: Polyatomic ions are used to form many different types of medicines, including antibiotics and painkillers.
• Industry: Polyatomic ions are used to form many different types of industrial chemicals, including acids, bases, and salts.

Conclusion

Polyatomic ions are an important part of chemistry, and they are used to form many different compounds, including acids, bases, and salts. They can also be used to form many different types of molecules, including proteins, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids. In this article, we have answered some of the most frequently asked questions about common polyatomic ions. We hope that this information has been helpful in understanding the importance of polyatomic ions in chemistry.