Conjugate acid of `SO_(4)^(2-)` is

Options

A. `HSO_(4)^(-)`
B. `H^(+)`
C. `H_(2)SO_(4)`
D. `SO_(4)^(2-)`

Explanation

To find the conjugate acid of \( SO_4^{2-} \), we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand the concept of conjugate acids and bases
Conjugate acids and bases are related by the gain or loss of a proton (H\(^+\)). A base becomes a conjugate acid when it gains a proton.

### Step 2: Identify the base
In this case, \( SO_4^{2-} \) (sulfate ion) acts as a base because it can accept protons.

### Step 3: Add a proton to the base
When \( SO_4^{2-} \) gains one proton (H\(^+\)), it becomes \( HSO_4^{-} \) (hydrogen sulfate ion).

### Step 4: Identify the conjugate acid
Since \( HSO_4^{-} \) is formed by the addition of one proton to \( SO_4^{2-} \), it is the conjugate acid of \( SO_4^{2-} \).

### Conclusion
The conjugate acid of \( SO_4^{2-} \) is \( HSO_4^{-} \).

---