What is the overall charge on a sulfate ion (SO_4)?

• A. -2
• B. 0
• C. -1
• D. +2

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the sulfate ion formula, which is \(\mathrm{SO_4^{x-}}\), where \(x\) is the overall charge we want to find.
2. Recall the common oxidation states: sulfur (S) typically has an oxidation state of +6 in sulfate, and oxygen (O) has an oxidation state of -2.
3. Calculate the total charge contributed by the oxygen atoms: since there are 4 oxygen atoms each with a charge of -2, the total is \$4 \times (-2) = -8$.
4. Set up the equation for the overall charge: the sum of the oxidation states must equal the ion's charge, so \(+6 + (-8) = x\).
5. Solve for \(x\) to find the overall charge on the sulfate ion.