A group of atoms that may act as an ion is referred to as _________???
Probably that's a polyatomic ion.
thanks so much!
To find the answer to your question, we need to rely on our knowledge of atoms and ions.
Atoms are the basic building blocks of matter, and they consist of protons and neutrons in their nucleus, surrounded by electrons. An atom becomes an ion when it gains or loses electrons, resulting in an unequal number of protons and electrons and giving it a positive or negative charge.
Now, let's consider the question. The phrasing suggests that we are looking for a term that describes a group of atoms that can act as an ion.
The term you are looking for is "polyatomic ion."
Polyatomic ions are groups of atoms that are bound together with covalent bonds but behave as a single, charged unit. Unlike monatomic ions (which are single atoms), polyatomic ions consist of multiple atoms. These groups of atoms can gain or lose electrons as a whole, which gives them a positive or negative charge. The most common examples are sulfate (SO4²⁻), nitrate (NO3⁻), and ammonium (NH4⁺).
So, the group of atoms that may act as an ion is referred to as a "polyatomic ion."