Polyatomic Vs. Monatomic Ions: Understanding Their Distinct Chemical Properties And Structures
Polyatomic ions, unlike monatomic ions, are composed of multiple atoms covalently bonded together. This covalent bonding results in a molecular structure with a specific geometry and charge distribution. Polyatomic ions acquire their charge through the sharing or gaining of electrons, while monatomic ions are formed by the loss or gain of a single electron. Due to their molecular nature, polyatomic ions exhibit distinct chemical properties and reactivities compared to monatomic ions, which are characterized by their simple electronic configurations and charge equivalence.
