2007-03-12 13:22:05 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
It depends on the polyatomic ion.
As a previous answer said, usually on a very electronegative atom. Sometimes the charge is not located only to one atom but to more atoms because of resonance.
For example if you have the hypochlorite ion ClO- the charge is located on the O.
If you have the carbonate CO3(-2) you have the stucture
-O-C-O-
.. .. ll
.. ..O
But because of resonance all oxygens have the same charge (-2/3) and all the bonds are equivalent with a character between a single and a double bond.
For a simple level of chemistry you would just write the above structure and put the negative charges on the 2 O atoms.
2007-03-13 00:06:55 · answer #1 · answered by bellerophon 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Usually on one or more of the most electronegative atoms. For example, in a sulfate ion, two of the oxygens are carrying a -1 charge (while the sulfur and other two oxygens are neutral - the sulfur has the lowest electronegativity and is thus not charged).
2007-03-12 20:27:05 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi. On whichever component is missing the electron. http://www.answers.com/main/ntquery?s=polyatomic+ion&gwp=13
2007-03-12 20:25:31 · answer #3 · answered by Cirric 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
both have a charge like Na- and Cl+. then they cancel each other out to become NaCl
2007-03-12 20:30:09 · answer #4 · answered by KerryK 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋