Question

Name each of the following polyatomic ions: a. \(\mathrm{SO}_{4}^{2-}\) b. \(\mathrm{CO}_{3}^{2-}\) c. \(\mathrm{PO}_{4}^{3-}\) d. \(\mathrm{NO}_{3}^{-}\)

Short answer

(a) Sulfate, (b) Carbonate, (c) Phosphate, (d) Nitrate

Step-by-step solution

Identifying the Sulfate Ion

The ion \(\mathrm{SO}_{4}^{2-}\) is known as the sulfate ion. It consists of one sulfur atom and four oxygen atoms, carrying an overall charge of -2.

Identifying the Carbonate Ion

The ion \(\mathrm{CO}_{3}^{2-}\) is known as the carbonate ion. It consists of one carbon atom and three oxygen atoms, carrying an overall charge of -2.

Identifying the Phosphate Ion

The ion \(\mathrm{PO}_{4}^{3-}\) is known as the phosphate ion. It consists of one phosphorus atom and four oxygen atoms, carrying an overall charge of -3.

Identifying the Nitrate Ion

The ion \(\mathrm{NO}_{3}^{-}\) is known as the nitrate ion. It consists of one nitrogen atom and three oxygen atoms, carrying an overall charge of -1.

Key concepts

Sulfate Ion

The sulfate ion, denoted as \(\textrm{SO}_{4}^{2-}\), is a polyatomic ion that consists of one sulfur atom connected to four oxygen atoms. The entire group carries a negative charge of -2.

Sulfate ions are commonly found in various chemical compounds, including salts, acids, and esters. They play an important role in biology, environmental science, and industrial chemistry.

• Sulfate ions contribute to the hardness of water.
• They are involved in the sulfur cycle, an essential process for ecosystems.
• Sulfates are used in dyes, detergents, and pharmaceuticals.

Carbonate Ion

The carbonate ion, represented as \(\textrm{CO}_{3}^{2-}\), consists of a carbon atom bonded to three oxygen atoms, and it carries an overall charge of -2.

Carbonate ions are prevalent in geology and biology. They form the backbone of various minerals, including limestone and marble, and are vital to the carbon cycle.

• Carbonate ions help regulate pH levels in natural water bodies.
• They are key components in the formation of shells and skeletons of marine organisms.
• They play a role in buffering systems that maintain the pH balance in our blood.

Phosphate Ion

The phosphate ion, indicated as \(\textrm{PO}_{4}^{3-}\), includes one phosphorus atom bonded to four oxygen atoms, carrying a total charge of -3.

Phosphate ions are crucial in both biological and environmental systems. They contribute to the structure of DNA, RNA, and cellular energy transfer compounds such as ATP.

• Phosphates are essential nutrients for plants and animals.
• They are a major component of fertilizers.
• Phosphates play a critical role in bone and tooth formation.

Nitrate Ion

The nitrate ion, written as \(\textrm{NO}_{3}^{-}\), comprises one nitrogen atom bonded to three oxygen atoms, with an overall charge of -1.

Nitrate ions are important in agriculture, environmental science, and industrial applications. They are highly soluble in water and are a primary form of nitrogen taken up by plants.

• Nitrates are key components in fertilizers, helping plants grow efficiently.
• They can contaminate water sources when present in excessive amounts.
• Nitrates are also used in food preservation and explosives manufacturing.