Which of the following is the correct formula for the sulfate ion?

• A. SO_4^{2-}
• B. S_2O_3^{2-}
• C. SO_3^{2-}
• D. SO_2^{2-}

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the sulfate ion is a polyatomic ion composed of sulfur and oxygen atoms with a specific charge.
2. Recall that the sulfate ion consists of one sulfur atom bonded to four oxygen atoms, giving the formula \(SO_4\).
3. Recognize that the sulfate ion carries a charge of 2-, which is written as a superscript: \(^{2-}\).
4. Combine the chemical formula and the charge to write the correct formula for the sulfate ion as \(SO_4^{2-}\).
5. Compare this formula to the other options to confirm that \(SO_4^{2-}\) is the correct representation of the sulfate ion.