What is the charge of the sulfate ion, SO_4?

• A. 0
• B. +2
• C. -1
• D. -2

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the sulfate ion formula: SO_4. This ion consists of one sulfur atom and four oxygen atoms.
2. Recall the typical oxidation states: oxygen usually has an oxidation state of -2, and sulfur's oxidation state in sulfate is typically +6.
3. Calculate the total charge contributed by the oxygen atoms: since there are 4 oxygen atoms each with a charge of -2, the total is 4 \times (-2) = -8.
4. Set up the equation for the overall charge of the ion: let the charge of sulfur be +6, so the total charge is +6 + (-8) = -2.
5. Conclude that the sulfate ion carries a net charge of -2.