Mehratomion

Mehratomion is a term used in chemistry to describe an ion composed of more than one atom. These ions are also commonly referred to as polyatomic ions. Unlike monatomic ions, which consist of a single atom that has gained or lost electrons, polyatomic ions are a group of covalently bonded atoms that collectively carry a net electrical charge. This charge arises from the total number of electrons in the group not being equal to the total number of protons in the constituent atoms.

Polyatomic ions can be either positively charged (cations) or negatively charged (anions). Common examples of polyatomic cations include the ammonium ion (NH4+) and the hydronium ion (H3O+). Well-known polyatomic anions include the sulfate ion (SO4^2-), the nitrate ion (NO3-), the carbonate ion (CO3^2-), and the hydroxide ion (OH-). These ions are fundamental building blocks in many ionic compounds, such as sodium sulfate (Na2SO4) and potassium nitrate (KNO3). Understanding the structure and charge of polyatomic ions is crucial for predicting the chemical formulas and properties of a vast array of chemical substances.