Question

Write the formulas, including the charge, for the following polyatomic ions: a. hydrogen carbonate (bicarbonate) b. ammonium c. phosphate d. hydrogen sulfate

Short answer

a. HCO₃⁻, b. NH₄⁺, c. PO₄³⁻, d. HSO₄⁻

Step-by-step solution

Hydrogen Carbonate (Bicarbonate)

The chemical formula for the hydrogen carbonate ion is HCO₃⁻. It carries a charge of -1.

Ammonium

The chemical formula for the ammonium ion is NH₄⁺. It carries a charge of +1.

Phosphate

The chemical formula for the phosphate ion is PO₄³⁻. It carries a charge of -3.

Hydrogen Sulfate

The chemical formula for the hydrogen sulfate ion is HSO₄⁻. It carries a charge of -1.

Key concepts

hydrogen carbonate formula

Hydrogen carbonate, also known as bicarbonate, is an important polyatomic ion in chemistry.
Its formula is HCO₃⁻. The charge on the hydrogen carbonate ion is -1.
This means it has one more electron than protons, giving it a net negative charge.

Hydrogen carbonate is commonly found in household baking soda and plays a crucial role in maintaining pH balance in natural systems, like human blood.

ammonium formula

Ammonium is another significant polyatomic ion, especially in biological systems.
Its chemical formula is NH₄⁺ and it carries a +1 charge.
This means the ammonium ion has one fewer electron than protons, resulting in a positive charge.

Ammonium is found in many chemical compounds, and it’s essential in the nitrogen cycle, playing a key role in agricultural fertilizers.

phosphate formula

Phosphate is a vital polyatomic ion known for its role in energy transfer and storage in cells.
The formula for the phosphate ion is PO₄³⁻ and it has a charge of -3.
This implies that phosphate has three more electrons than protons, giving it a strong negative charge.

Phosphate is prevalent in DNA, ATP, and many other vital biological molecules.
It’s also a major component of fertilizers, helping plants grow efficiently.

hydrogen sulfate formula

Hydrogen sulfate, often referred to as bisulfate, is an important ion in both industrial and biological chemistry.
The formula for the hydrogen sulfate ion is HSO₄⁻, with a charge of -1.
This indicates that hydrogen sulfate has one more electron than protons, resulting in a net negative charge.

Hydrogen sulfate is frequently encountered in processes involving acids and is a constituent of sulfuric acid.
It’s used in various applications, including pH regulation and chemical manufacturing.