Which polyatomic ion is $SO_4{ }^{2-}$?
A. sulfate
B. sulfite
C. sulfide
D. sulfurate
Answer (2)
The problem requires identifying the name of the polyatomic ion S O 4 2 − .
Recall the naming conventions for sulfur-containing polyatomic ions.
Match the formula S O 4 2 − to its correct name, which is sulfate.
The correct answer is s u l f a t e .
Explanation
Understanding the Problem The question asks us to identify the correct name for the polyatomic ion with the formula S O 4 2 − . We are given four options: sulfate, sulfite, sulfide, and sulfurate.
Recalling Naming Conventions To solve this, we need to recall the naming conventions for polyatomic ions, particularly those containing sulfur and oxygen. The name of the ion depends on the number of oxygen atoms present.
Matching the Formula to the Name
Sulfate ( S O 4 2 − ): This ion has four oxygen atoms.
Sulfite ( S O 3 2 − ): This ion has three oxygen atoms.
Sulfide ( S 2 − ): This ion contains only sulfur and no oxygen.
Sulfurate: This is not a standard chemical term for a sulfur-containing ion.
Identifying the Correct Name Based on these naming conventions, the polyatomic ion S O 4 2 − is called sulfate.
Final Answer Therefore, the correct answer is sulfate.
Examples
Polyatomic ions like sulfate are important in many chemical compounds and biological processes. For example, calcium sulfate ( C a S O 4 ) is a common mineral found in gypsum, which is used to make plaster and drywall. Understanding the names and formulas of these ions helps us to identify and work with these compounds in various applications, from construction to medicine.
The polyatomic ion S O 4 2 − is called sulfate. This name corresponds to the structure of the ion, which has four oxygen atoms. Therefore, the correct option is A: sulfate.
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