Which of the following is the correct chemical formula for sulfur dioxide?

• A. SO_3
• B. SO_2
• C. S_2O
• D. S_2O_2

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that sulfur dioxide is a compound consisting of sulfur and oxygen atoms.
2. Recall that the chemical formula represents the ratio of atoms of each element in the compound.
3. Recognize that sulfur dioxide specifically contains one sulfur atom and two oxygen atoms, which is represented as \(SO_2\).
4. Compare the given options to see which matches the correct ratio: \(SO_3\) has three oxygens, \(S_2O\) has two sulfurs and one oxygen, and \(S_2O_2\) has two sulfurs and two oxygens.
5. Conclude that the correct formula for sulfur dioxide is \(SO_2\) because it accurately reflects one sulfur atom bonded to two oxygen atoms.