Which of the following is the correct chemical formula for sodium sulfate?

• A. NaSO3
• B. Na2SO3
• C. Na2SO4
• D. NaSO4

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the ions involved in sodium sulfate: sodium ion (Na\^+) and sulfate ion (SO\_4\^{2-}).
2. Determine the charge on each ion: sodium ion has a +1 charge, sulfate ion has a -2 charge.
3. Balance the total positive and negative charges to make the compound electrically neutral.
4. Since sulfate has a -2 charge, two sodium ions (each +1) are needed to balance the charge.
5. Combine the ions to write the formula: two sodium ions and one sulfate ion give the formula Na\_2SO\_4.