Question

list as many differences between these three species as you can. check all that apply. □ $\ce{so_4^{2-}}$ is ion, $\ce{so_2}$ and $\ce{so_3}$ represent molecular compounds. □ all represent ionic compounds. □ the solubility in water differ. □ number of oxygen atoms differ.

Explanation:

1. For the first option: $\ce{SO_4^{2-}}$ is a polyatomic ion, while $\ce{SO_2}$ and $\ce{SO_3}$ are molecular compounds (covalent), so this is a difference.
2. For the second option: Not all are ionic. $\ce{SO_2}$ and $\ce{SO_3}$ are molecular (covalent), so this is incorrect.
3. For the third option: $\ce{SO_2}$ (polar, soluble), $\ce{SO_3}$ (reacts with water, different solubility behavior), and $\ce{SO_4^{2-}}$ (in salts, solubility depends on cation) – their solubility in water differs, so this is a difference.
4. For the fourth option: $\ce{SO_4^{2-}}$ has 4 O atoms, $\ce{SO_2}$ has 2, $\ce{SO_3}$ has 3 – the number of O atoms differs, so this is a difference.

Answer:

• $\boldsymbol{\ce{SO_4^{2-}}}$ is ion, $\ce{SO_2}$ and $\ce{SO_3}$ represent molecular compounds.
• The solubility in water differ.
• Number of oxygen atoms differ.