Which of the following is a polyatomic cation?

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Study for the IMAT Chemistry Exam. Access flashcards and multiple choice questions; hints and explanations included for each question. Prepare effectively for your exam.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is a polyatomic cation?

Explanation:
A polyatomic cation is a positively charged species made up of more than one atom. Ammonia (NH3) is a neutral molecule, not an ion, so it isn’t a polyatomic cation even though it contains several atoms. When ammonia gains a proton, it becomes NH4+, the ammonium ion, which is positively charged and consists of four hydrogen atoms bonded to a nitrogen atom—hence it’s a polyatomic cation. The other options are either a neutral molecule or a negatively charged polyatomic ion (phosphate PO4^3− and sulfate SO4^2− are polyatomic anions), so they don’t fit the description of a polyatomic cation.

A polyatomic cation is a positively charged species made up of more than one atom. Ammonia (NH3) is a neutral molecule, not an ion, so it isn’t a polyatomic cation even though it contains several atoms. When ammonia gains a proton, it becomes NH4+, the ammonium ion, which is positively charged and consists of four hydrogen atoms bonded to a nitrogen atom—hence it’s a polyatomic cation. The other options are either a neutral molecule or a negatively charged polyatomic ion (phosphate PO4^3− and sulfate SO4^2− are polyatomic anions), so they don’t fit the description of a polyatomic cation.

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