To determine the correct formula for ammonium sulfate, we need to know the composition of this compound.
1. Identify the ions involved:
- Ammonium: [tex]\( NH_4^+ \)[/tex]
- Sulfate: [tex]\( SO_4^{2-} \)[/tex]
2. Combine the ions to form a neutral compound:
- Ammonium ion ([tex]\( NH_4^+ \)[/tex]) has a +1 charge.
- Sulfate ion ([tex]\( SO_4^{2-} \)[/tex]) has a -2 charge.
3. Balance the charges:
- To balance the +2 charge from two ammonium ions with the -2 charge of one sulfate ion, you combine two ammonium ions with one sulfate ion.
4. Write the formula:
- Two [tex]\( NH_4^+ \)[/tex] ions and one [tex]\( SO_4^{2-} \)[/tex] ion result in the formula [tex]\( \left( NH_4\right)_2 SO_4 \)[/tex].
Therefore, the correct formula for ammonium sulfate is [tex]\( \left( NH_4\right)_2 SO_4 \)[/tex].
