The correct formula for sulfuric acid is A) H2SO4.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct formula for sulfuric acid is A) H₂SO₄.
Sulfuric acid is a strong mineral acid composed of hydrogen, sulfur, and oxygen. Its molecular formula, H₂SO₄, indicates it contains two hydrogen atoms, one sulfur atom, and four oxygen atoms. It is one of the most widely used industrial chemicals in the world and plays a central role in the manufacturing of fertilizers, detergents, batteries, and in petroleum refining.
The central sulfur atom in H₂SO₄ is bonded to four oxygen atoms. Two of these oxygen atoms are double-bonded to sulfur, while the other two are each bonded to hydrogen, forming hydroxyl groups. This structure allows sulfuric acid to be classified as a diprotic acid, meaning it can donate two protons when dissolved in water. Upon dissociation, it forms two hydrogen ions (H⁺) and one sulfate ion (SO₄²⁻), making it a very strong acid, especially in its first dissociation step.
It is important to distinguish sulfuric acid from other closely related compounds. For instance, H₂SO₃ is sulfurous acid, a weaker acid with one less oxygen atom. H₂SO₄⁻ and H₂SO₃⁻ are not standard or accepted molecular formulas. SO₄²⁻ is the sulfate ion, which is a component of sulfuric acid after it donates its protons but is not itself an acid.
Sulfuric acid’s corrosive properties and strong dehydrating ability make it particularly reactive. Its reactivity is harnessed in chemical synthesis, where it can drive reactions forward by absorbing water produced during the process. Due to its strength and versatility, sulfuric acid is a fundamental compound in both laboratory and industrial settings, often considered a benchmark strong acid in chemistry. Understanding its formula and behavior is essential for anyone studying or working in the chemical sciences.
