Sulfate is a polyatomic ion, meaning it's a group of atoms bonded together that carry an overall charge. Its chemical formula is SO₄²⁻, where:
* S represents sulfur (an element with the symbol S on the periodic table).
* O represents oxygen (an element with the symbol O on the periodic table).
* ₄ indicates there are four oxygen atoms in the sulfate ion.
* ²⁻ indicates the sulfate ion has a 2- charge.
