What is the formula for sulfate ion?

The sulfate ion is represented by the formula SO4^2-. This ion is composed of one sulfur atom (S) and four oxygen atoms (O). The overall charge of the sulfate ion is -2, which means it has two more electrons than protons, giving it a negative charge.

Understanding the structure of the sulfate ion helps to clarify why this formula is correct. Sulfate is a polyatomic ion, part of a larger group of ions known as oxyanions, which are anions containing oxygen. The sulfate ion specifically has four oxygen atoms that are covalently bonded to a central sulfur atom. This structural configuration is well-established in chemical literature, and the -2 charge reflects the total electrons associated with the arrangement of sulfur and oxygen in this ion.

Other formulas presented in the choices indicate ions containing sulfur and oxygen, but they either have a different number of oxygen atoms or a different charge. For example, SO3^2- represents the sulfite ion, which has one less oxygen atom and carries a -2 charge, while the remaining choices reflect different arrangements or numbers of sulfur and oxygen atoms that don't correspond to the sulfate ion. Therefore, the correct identification of sulfate as SO4^2- is crucial for understanding its