What is the general name for polyatomic ions that contain one or more oxygen atoms?

• A. Hydronium ions
• B. Oxyanions
• C. Halide ions
• D. Ammonium ions

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that polyatomic ions are ions composed of two or more atoms covalently bonded that carry an overall charge.
2. Recognize that when polyatomic ions contain one or more oxygen atoms bonded to another element, they belong to a specific category.
3. Recall that the general name for such polyatomic ions containing oxygen is 'oxyanions'.
4. Note that examples of oxyanions include nitrate (NO\_3\^-), sulfate (SO\_4\^{2-}), and phosphate (PO\_4\^{3-}).
5. Differentiate oxyanions from other polyatomic ions such as hydronium (H\_3O\^+), ammonium (NH\_4\^+), and halide ions (which are monatomic ions like Cl\^-, Br\^-).