Question

What is the difference between polyatomic ions and binary ionic compounds?

Answer 1

A polyatomic ion is a group of atoms bond by covalent bonds with an unbalanced charge.
A binary ionic compound is composed of atoms of two elements bond by an ionic bond.

Explanation:

Polyatomc ions are charged compounds composed of non-metals with covalent bonds created by gaining or losing electrons to form the bonds. This creates an unbalanced charge. Examples include:
`NO_3^-1` nitrate
`PO_4^-3` phosphate
`NH_4^(+1)` ammonium

A binary ionic compound is composed of the atoms of two (bi) elements bond by ionic bonds.

`Fe^(+3)` and `O^-2` forming `Fe_2O_3` rust
`Na^(+1)` and `Cl^-1` forming `NaCl` salt