Question

identify the correct lewis structure for so₄²⁻. select the single best answer.

Explanation:

Step1: Count valence electrons

S has 6 valence electrons, O has 6 valence electrons. For $SO_{4}^{2 - }$, total valence electrons = 6 + 4×6+2 = 32.

Step2: Determine central atom

Sulfur (S) is the central atom as it is less electronegative than oxygen.

Step3: Connect atoms and distribute electrons

Connect S to 4 O atoms with single - bonds first. Then distribute remaining electrons to satisfy octet rule. Each O needs 6 more electrons after single - bond with S. After distributing electrons, we can also have resonance structures with double - bonds between S and O to minimize formal charges. The correct Lewis structure has S as the central atom, single - bonded to 4 O atoms, with each O having 3 lone pairs and the whole structure having a 2 - charge.

Answer:

The third option (the one with S single - bonded to 4 O atoms and all atoms having octets and the overall 2 - charge)