* Sulfate Ion (SO₄²⁻): The sulfate ion is a polyatomic ion consisting of sulfur (S) and oxygen (O) atoms. The bonds between sulfur and oxygen are covalent, but the overall ion carries a negative charge.
* Sodium Ions (Na⁺): Sodium readily loses its outer electron to become a positively charged ion (Na⁺).
* Ionic Bonding: The electrostatic attraction between the positively charged sodium ions (Na⁺) and the negatively charged sulfate ions (SO₄²⁻) forms an ionic bond.
In summary: The sodium and sulfate ions are held together in a crystal lattice by ionic bonds. The oxygen within the sulfate ion itself is covalently bonded to the sulfur atom.
