Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the correct chemical formula for the acetate ion?
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3. Chemical Reactions
Polyatomic Ions
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What is the charge of the sulfate ion, SO_4?
A
0
B
+2
C
-1
D
-2
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the sulfate ion formula: SO_4. This ion consists of one sulfur atom and four oxygen atoms.
Recall the typical oxidation states: oxygen usually has an oxidation state of -2, and sulfur's oxidation state in sulfate is typically +6.
Calculate the total charge contributed by the oxygen atoms: since there are 4 oxygen atoms each with a charge of -2, the total is 4 \times (-2) = -8.
Set up the equation for the overall charge of the ion: let the charge of sulfur be +6, so the total charge is +6 + (-8) = -2.
Conclude that the sulfate ion carries a net charge of -2.
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