Why is a polyatomic ion not called a molecule?

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Why is a polyatomic ion not called a molecule?

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Answer 1 · 2014-04-21T15:17:49

Polyatomic ions contain two or more atoms bonded together in a manner that there is still a charge on the molecule.

Monatomic ions are charged atoms of single element,

Examples of monatomic ions include, sodium ions are $N a^{+}$ $Na^+$ and Fluoride ions are $F^{-}$ $F^-$ ,

However, examples of polyatomic ions are $N O_{3}^{-}$ $NO_3^-$ , $P O_{4}^{- 3}$ $PO_4^(-3)$ and $N H_{4}^{+}$ $NH_4^+$ . In each case the ion is composed of more than one atom.

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Why is a polyatomic ion not called a molecule?

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