Polyatomic ions

Polyatomic ions

By KF H

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•Polyatomic ions – two or more different atoms covalently bonded together with an overall charge. A polyatomic ion behaves exactly like any other ion, either giving up or taking electrons. These groups of atoms will bond to other ions to form compounds.

​This picture shows how calcium, with a +2 charge, would bond with the polyatomic ion called carbonate (CO3), to form calcium carbonate.

CaCO_3​

Multiple Choice

What is a polyatomic ion?

• an atom that has lost electrons to become negative

• an atom that has gained electrons to become positive

• a covalently bonded group of atoms that either gains or loses electrons, and bonds with other ions

• a group of ionically bonded atoms