Which of the following is the chemical formula for sulfuric acid?

• A. H2SO3
• B. HSO4
• C. SO2
• D. H2SO4

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that sulfuric acid is a well-known strong acid with the chemical formula containing hydrogen (H), sulfur (S), and oxygen (O).
2. Identify the correct number of hydrogen atoms in sulfuric acid, which is 2, indicating two acidic protons that can dissociate.
3. Recognize that sulfuric acid contains one sulfur atom and four oxygen atoms, forming the sulfate ion (SO4) combined with hydrogen ions.
4. Compare the given options to the known formula of sulfuric acid: H2SO3 is sulfurous acid, HSO4 is not a standard formula, SO2 is sulfur dioxide (a gas), and H2SO4 matches sulfuric acid.
5. Conclude that the correct chemical formula for sulfuric acid is H2SO4 based on the composition and common chemical knowledge.