The formula H_2SO_4 is representative of which of the following acids?

• A. Sulfate acid
• B. Hydrosulfuric acid
• C. Sulfuric acid
• D. Sulfurous acid

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the chemical formula given: \(\mathrm{H_2SO_4}\).
2. Recall that acids containing hydrogen, sulfur, and oxygen are typically oxyacids of sulfur.
3. Understand that the suffix '-ic' in acid names usually corresponds to the higher oxidation state of sulfur, while '-ous' corresponds to a lower oxidation state.
4. Recognize that \(\mathrm{H_2SO_4}\) is sulfuric acid, where sulfur is in its highest common oxidation state (+6).
5. Note that 'sulfate acid' is not a correct name for an acid (sulfate refers to the \(\mathrm{SO_4^{2-}}\) ion), and 'hydrosulfuric acid' refers to \(\mathrm{H_2S}\), which is different.