Which of the following is the correct chemical formula for the hydrogen sulfite ion?

• A. SO_3^{2-}
• B. HSO_4^-
• C. HSO_3^-
• D. SO_4^{2-}

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the hydrogen sulfite ion is a polyatomic ion derived from sulfite (SO_3^{2-}) by adding one hydrogen ion (H^+).
2. Recall that adding a hydrogen ion to a polyatomic ion changes its formula by adding an H and reducing the negative charge by one.
3. Start with the sulfite ion, which is SO_3^{2-}, and add one hydrogen ion (H^+), resulting in HSO_3^-.
4. Verify that the charge on the hydrogen sulfite ion is -1, consistent with the addition of one H^+ to SO_3^{2-}.
5. Confirm that the correct formula for the hydrogen sulfite ion is HSO_3^- and not any other given options.