Answer: the sulfate ion (SO₄)²⁻consists of one sulfur atom (S) bonded to four oxygen atoms (O), with each oxygen atom carrying a charge of -2. The overall charge of the sulfate ion is -2.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the chemical formula for sulfate (SO₄)²⁻, the "4" represents the total number of oxygen atoms (O) in the sulfate ion. Each oxygen atom has a charge of -2.
The "2-" represents the charge of the sulfate ion as a whole. It indicates that the sulfate ion has a net charge of -2. This charge is balanced by the presence of two additional electrons.