Polyatomic ions

Polyatomic ions are clusters of atoms that carry a net electric charge due to the loss or gain of electrons. Unlike single atoms that form simple ions (like sodium or chloride), polyatomic ions consist of multiple atoms bonded together, such as sulfate (SO₄²⁻) or ammonium (NH₄⁺). They play crucial roles in chemical reactions and the formation of compounds, often found in acids, bases, and salts. Understanding polyatomic ions is important in chemistry as they help explain the behavior of various substances in our environment.