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^{-}

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that the sulfate ion is a common polyatomic ion composed of sulfur and oxygen atoms.
2. 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.
3. Determine the overall charge of the sulfate ion. Sulfate carries a charge of 2-, which means the ion has two extra electrons.
4. Combine the correct formula and charge to write the sulfate ion as \(SO\_4^{2-}\).
5. 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.