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

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

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the composition of sulfur dioxide by identifying the elements involved. Sulfur dioxide consists of sulfur (S) and oxygen (O).
2. Step 2: Recall that the chemical formula represents the ratio of atoms of each element in one molecule of the compound.
3. Step 3: Recognize that sulfur dioxide has one sulfur atom and two oxygen atoms bonded together, which is commonly written as \(SO_2\).
4. Step 4: Compare the given options to the known formula \(SO_2\) to determine which matches the correct ratio of atoms.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the correct chemical formula for sulfur dioxide is \(SO_2\), as it accurately reflects one sulfur atom bonded to two oxygen atoms.