Here's how to break it down:

* Sn: Represents tin (Sn)

* (SO₄): Represents the sulfate ion (SO₄²⁻)

* 2: Indicates that there are two sulfate ions for every tin atom

Stannic sulfate is an ionic compound formed by the electrostatic attraction between the tin cation (Sn⁴⁺) and the sulfate anion (SO₄²⁻).