Why Are Polyatomic Ions Not Called Molecules?

Why Are Polyatomic Ions Not Called Molecules?

Answer: Explanation: Polyatomic ions contain two or more atoms bonded together in a manner that there is still a charge on the molecule. ... In each case the ion is composed of more than one atom.

Are polyatomic ions molecules?

Similarly, we can think of a polyatomic ion as a molecule that has been ionized by gaining or losing electrons. In a polyatomic ion, the group of covalently bonded atoms carries a net charge because the total number of electrons in the molecule is not equal to the total number of protons in the molecule.

What is the difference between a molecule and a polyatomic ion?

Atoms that are covalently bonded within a molecule are held together by pairs of electrons that are shared between two atoms. The atoms that make up a polyatomic ion are also covalently bonded, or held together by shared pairs of electrons. ... Molecules are electrically neutral while polyatomic ions have a net charge.

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Marcus Vance

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