Question

what is the name of the polyatomic ion, so₃²⁻?
a) sulfurous
b) sulfate
c) sulfur trioxide
d) sulfite
e) sulfur oxide

Explanation:

• Sulfurous is an adjective (e.g., sulfurous acid, \(H_2SO_3\)).
• Sulfate is \(SO_4^{2 -}\).
• Sulfur trioxide is \(SO_3\) (a neutral molecule).
• Sulfur oxide is a general term (e.g., \(SO_2\) - sulfur dioxide, \(SO_3\) - sulfur trioxide).
• The polyatomic ion \(SO_3^{2-}\) is named sulfite.

Answer:

d) sulfite