Which term describes an ion formed from more than one atom?

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Multiple Choice

Which term describes an ion formed from more than one atom?

Explanation:
An ion formed from more than one atom is called a polyatomic ion. It’s a charged unit made up of two or more atoms that are covalently bonded together but behave as a single ion in reactions and in compounds. Examples include ammonium (NH4+) and sulfate (SO4^2−). This fits the idea of an ion that isn’t just a single atom, unlike monatomic ions such as Na+ or Cl−. It also isn’t describing an ionic compound as a whole or a bond type—the term specifically refers to the multi-atom charged species that can act as a unit within various compounds.

An ion formed from more than one atom is called a polyatomic ion. It’s a charged unit made up of two or more atoms that are covalently bonded together but behave as a single ion in reactions and in compounds. Examples include ammonium (NH4+) and sulfate (SO4^2−). This fits the idea of an ion that isn’t just a single atom, unlike monatomic ions such as Na+ or Cl−. It also isn’t describing an ionic compound as a whole or a bond type—the term specifically refers to the multi-atom charged species that can act as a unit within various compounds.

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