Which of the following correctly pairs the ion name with its ion symbol?

• A. Phosphate, PO_3^{3-}
• B. Nitrate, NO_2^{-}
• C. Sulfate, SO_4^{2-}
• D. Chlorite, ClO_4^{-}

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand that polyatomic ions have specific names and corresponding chemical formulas with charges. The problem asks to match ion names with their correct ion symbols (formulas and charges).
2. Step 2: Recall the correct formulas and charges for each ion: Phosphate is \(\mathrm{PO_4^{3-}}\), Nitrate is \(\mathrm{NO_3^{-}}\), Sulfate is \(\mathrm{SO_4^{2-}}\), and Chlorite is \(\mathrm{ClO_2^{-}}\).
3. Step 3: Compare each given pair with the correct formula: Phosphate is given as \(\mathrm{PO_3^{3-}}\) (incorrect, should be \(\mathrm{PO_4^{3-}}\)), Nitrate as \(\mathrm{NO_2^{-}}\) (incorrect, should be \(\mathrm{NO_3^{-}}\)), Sulfate as \(\mathrm{SO_4^{2-}}\) (correct), Chlorite as \(\mathrm{ClO_4^{-}}\) (incorrect, should be \(\mathrm{ClO_2^{-}}\)).
4. Step 4: Identify that only the Sulfate ion is correctly paired with its ion symbol \(\mathrm{SO_4^{2-}}\).
5. Step 5: Conclude that the correct answer is the pair Sulfate, \(\mathrm{SO_4^{2-}}\) because it matches the standard chemical formula and charge for the sulfate ion.