Physical Science:

Polyatomic ions are ions composed of two or more atoms that are covalently bonded together and carry a net electrical charge. They are commonly found in many chemical compounds, including salts, acids, and bases. Polyatomic ions can have either a positive or negative charge, depending on the number of electrons they have gained or lost. Some common examples of polyatomic ions include:

Hydroxide ion \((OH^-)\text{:}\) This ion consists of one oxygen atom and one hydrogen atom and has a negative charge. It is found in bases such as sodium hydroxide \((NaOH)\) and calcium hydroxide \((Ca(OH)_2)\text{.}\) Ammonium ion \((NH^{+4})\text{:}\) This ion consists of one nitrogen atom and four hydrogen atoms and has a positive charge. It is found in compounds such as ammonium chloride \((NH_4Cl)\) and ammonium nitrate \((NH_4NO_3)\text{.}\) Carbonate ion \((CO_3^{2-})\text{:}\) This ion consists of one carbon atom and three oxygen atoms and has a negative charge. It is found in compounds such as calcium carbonate \((CaCO_3)\) and sodium carbonate \((Na_2CO_3)\text{.}\) Sulfate ion \((SO_4^{2-})\text{:}\) This ion consists of one sulfur atom and four oxygen atoms and has a negative charge. It is found in compounds such as magnesium sulfate \((MgSO_4)\) and sodium sulfate \((Na_2SO_4)\text{.}\) Phosphate ion \((PO_4^{3-}):\) This ion consists of one phosphorus atom and four oxygen atoms and has a negative charge. It is found in compounds such as calcium phosphate \((Ca_3(PO_4)_2)\) and sodium phosphate \((Na_3PO_4)\text{.}\)

The properties and behavior of polyatomic ions depend on the specific atoms and bonds that make up the ion. They play important roles in many chemical reactions and are essential to many biological processes.