Which of the following is the correct chemical formula for copper(II) sulfate?

• A. CuSO3
• B. Cu2SO4
• C. CuSO4
• D. Cu2(SO4)3

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the charge on the copper ion in copper(II) sulfate. The (II) indicates copper has a +2 charge, so the ion is Cu^{2+}.
2. Recognize the sulfate ion, which is SO_4^{2-}, carrying a -2 charge.
3. Since copper(II) has a +2 charge and sulfate has a -2 charge, they combine in a 1:1 ratio to balance the charges.
4. Write the chemical formula by placing the copper ion and sulfate ion together without any additional subscripts, resulting in CuSO_4.
5. Verify that the formula CuSO_4 is electrically neutral, confirming it as the correct formula for copper(II) sulfate.