* Sulfate ion: The sulfate ion (SO₄²⁻) has a -2 charge.
* Sodium and potassium ions: Sodium (Na⁺) and potassium (K⁺) ions each have a +1 charge.
To balance the charges, you need two sodium or two potassium ions for every sulfate ion.
Therefore, the correct formulas are:
* Sodium sulfate: Na₂SO₄
* Potassium sulfate: K₂SO₄
There's no way to combine both sodium and potassium ions with sulfate to form a single compound with a unique formula.
