Why is a polyatomic ion not called a molecule?

Answer 1

Two or more atoms bound together so that the molecule retains a charge are called polyatomic ions.

Single-element charged atoms are known as monatomic ions.

Examples of monatomic ions include, sodium ions are #Na^+# and Fluoride ions are #F^-#,

However, examples of polyatomic ions are #NO_3^-#, #PO_4^(-3)# and #NH_4^+#. In each case the ion is composed of more than one atom.

I hope this was useful to you, teacher.

By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Answer 2

Wyatt Atkins

A polyatomic ion is not called a molecule because it carries a net electrical charge due to the presence of one or more extra electrons (anions) or fewer electrons (cations). Molecules, on the other hand, are electrically neutral groups of two or more atoms held together by chemical bonds.

By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Answer from HIX Tutor

When evaluating a one-sided limit, you need to be careful when a quantity is approaching zero since its sign is different depending on which way it is approaching zero from. Let us look at some examples.