What is the difference between polyatomic ions and binary ionic compounds?

1 Answer
BRIAN M.
Jul 28, 2018

A polyatomic ion is a group of atoms bond by covalent bonds with an unbalanced charge.
A binary ionic compound is composed of atoms of two elements bond by an ionic bond.

Explanation:

Polyatomc ions are charged compounds composed of non-metals with covalent bonds created by gaining or losing electrons to form the bonds. This creates an unbalanced charge. Examples include:
#NO_3^-1# nitrate
#PO_4^-3# phosphate
#NH_4^(+1)# ammonium

A binary ionic compound is composed of the atoms of two (bi) elements bond by ionic bonds.

#Fe^(+3)# and #O^-2# forming #Fe_2O_3# rust
#Na^(+1)# and #Cl^-1# forming #NaCl# salt


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