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Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the correct formula and charge for the sulfate ion?
A
SO_3^{2-}
B
SO_3^{-}
C
SO_4^{2-}
D
SO_4^{-}
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Verified step by step guidance
1
Recall that the sulfate ion is a common polyatomic ion composed of sulfur and oxygen atoms.
Identify the correct number of oxygen atoms bonded to sulfur in the sulfate ion. Sulfate contains 4 oxygen atoms, so the formula includes SO_4.
Determine the overall charge of the sulfate ion. Sulfate carries a charge of 2-, which means the ion has two extra electrons.
Combine the correct formula and charge to write the sulfate ion as \(SO\_4^{2-}\).
Verify that the other options either have the wrong number of oxygen atoms or incorrect charges, confirming that \(SO\_4^{2-}\) is the correct formula and charge for the sulfate ion.