* Calcium (Ca): Calcium is an alkaline earth metal with a +2 charge (Ca²⁺).
* Sulfate (SO₄): Sulfate is a polyatomic ion with a -2 charge (SO₄²⁻).
To form a neutral compound, the charges must balance out. Since both calcium and sulfate have a +2 and -2 charge respectively, they combine in a 1:1 ratio.
