The correct formula for sulfuric acid is Select one: A. H2SO3. B. H2SO4-. C. SO42-. D. H2SO3-. E. H2SO4.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer:
E. H₂SO₄
Explanation
Sulfuric acid is one of the most important industrial chemicals and has the correct chemical formula H₂SO₄. It consists of two hydrogen (H) atoms, one sulfur (S) atom, and four oxygen (O) atoms. In aqueous solutions, sulfuric acid is a strong acid that completely dissociates into hydrogen ions (H⁺) and the sulfate ion (SO₄²⁻).
The structure of sulfuric acid includes two hydrogen ions that are attached to oxygen atoms. These hydrogens are ionizable, which means they can be released as protons when the acid dissolves in water. This gives sulfuric acid its strong acidic properties. It is classified as a diprotic acid because it can donate two protons (H⁺).
Let us now consider why the other options are incorrect:
- A. H₂SO₃ refers to sulfurous acid, not sulfuric acid. Sulfurous acid has one less oxygen atom and is a weaker acid compared to sulfuric acid.
- B. H₂SO₄⁻ is not a correct chemical formula. Sulfuric acid itself is neutral, not negatively charged.
- C. SO₄²⁻ is the sulfate ion, which is part of sulfuric acid but does not represent the full acid molecule.
- D. H₂SO₃⁻ is incorrect because sulfurous acid does not carry a negative charge in its neutral molecular form.
Sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) is widely used in fertilizer production, battery acid, cleaning agents, and in the manufacture of other chemicals. Its strong corrosive and dehydrating properties make it very reactive and useful in many industrial processes. It also plays a role in acid rain formation when released into the atmosphere through pollution. Knowing its correct formula is essential in chemistry and many practical applications.
