Here's why:

* Sulfuric acid has the chemical formula H₂SO₄.

* When sulfuric acid reacts with a base or metal, it loses its hydrogen ions (H⁺) and forms a negatively charged sulfate ion (SO₄²⁻).

* This sulfate ion then combines with a positively charged ion (cation) from the base or metal to form a sulfate salt.

For example:

* Sodium sulfate (Na₂SO₄) is formed when sulfuric acid reacts with sodium hydroxide (NaOH).

* Copper sulfate (CuSO₄) is formed when sulfuric acid reacts with copper metal (Cu).

So, the general name for salts formed by sulfuric acid is sulfates.