The name of the HSO4-ion is A. sulfide B. hydrogen sulfate C. sulfate D. hydrogen sulfite E. sulfite
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is:
B. Hydrogen sulfate
Explanation:
The HSO₄⁻ ion is called hydrogen sulfate or sometimes bisulfate in older terminology. To understand why, let’s break it down:
- Understanding the Components
- The SO₄²⁻ ion is called sulfate.
- When one hydrogen ion (H⁺) is added to sulfate, it forms HSO₄⁻.
- Since there is one hydrogen (H) present, it is prefixed with “hydrogen,” making it hydrogen sulfate.
- Why Not the Other Choices?
- A. Sulfide (S²⁻): Sulfide is a different ion that consists of just sulfur and carries a -2 charge. HSO₄⁻ is not sulfide.
- C. Sulfate (SO₄²⁻): Sulfate is the parent ion of HSO₄⁻, but HSO₄⁻ itself is not sulfate because it has an extra hydrogen.
- D. Hydrogen sulfite (HSO₃⁻): This is a different ion, related to sulfite (SO₃²⁻), not sulfate.
- E. Sulfite (SO₃²⁻): Sulfite is the ion with one less oxygen than sulfate and does not contain hydrogen.
- Acid-Base Behavior
- Hydrogen sulfate (HSO₄⁻) is an acidic anion because it can donate a proton (H⁺) to form SO₄²⁻.
- It is commonly found in acidic solutions of sulfate salts, such as sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) when it partially dissociates.
- Uses and Importance
- Found in sulfuric acid solutions and acid rain.
- Used in various chemical and industrial processes, such as battery acid and fertilizers.
Conclusion
The HSO₄⁻ ion is called hydrogen sulfate because it consists of a hydrogen ion (H⁺) attached to a sulfate ion (SO₄²⁻), making option B the correct answer.
Now, I will generate an image related to the HSO₄⁻ ion.

Here is the 3D molecular model of the HSO₄⁻ ion (hydrogen sulfate ion). It accurately represents the atomic structure with color distinctions for hydrogen, sulfur, and oxygen. Let me know if you need further details or modifications!