Final answer:
Polyatomic ions are groups of bonded atoms with an overall charge. Some important examples include: nitrate, phosphate, sulfate, and carbonate.
Step-by-step explanation:
Polyatomic ions are groups of bonded atoms with an overall charge. Some important examples include: nitrate (NO3-), phosphate (PO43-), sulfate (SO42-), and carbonate (CO32-). These ions are listed in tables and have defined formulas, names, and charges that should be memorized. When more than one polyatomic ion is present in a compound, the formula of the ion is placed in parentheses with a subscript outside the parentheses to indicate the number of ions in the compound.