Here's why:

* Sulfate refers to the polyatomic ion SO₄²⁻, which contains sulfur and oxygen.

* This ion forms salts with various metals and other cations, creating compounds like sodium sulfate (Na₂SO₄), magnesium sulfate (MgSO₄), and calcium sulfate (CaSO₄).

* The "sulf" part of the name comes from the sulfur atom, and the "ate" ending indicates that the compound contains a polyatomic ion with oxygen.

So, the element sulfur is the core component that defines the name "sulfate" in all its chemical compounds.