What is the chemical formula for sulfuric acid?

The chemical formula for sulfuric acid is H2SO4. This indicates that each molecule of sulfuric acid consists of two hydrogen atoms, one sulfur atom, and four oxygen atoms. Sulfuric acid is a highly corrosive strong mineral acid commonly used in various industrial processes, including the production of fertilizers, petroleum refining, and in the manufacture of explosives.

Understanding sulfuric acid's chemical structure is crucial in wastewater treatment contexts, as it plays a role in pH adjustment and in certain chemical reactions during the treatment process. The presence of sulfur in the formula indicates that it is derived from sulfur, an element that can impact water quality and treatment methods.

The other choices do not represent sulfuric acid; for instance, H2O is the formula for water, C2H5OH represents ethanol, and NaCl is the formula for sodium chloride, commonly known as table salt. Therefore, recognizing H2SO4 is essential for anyone working with chemical compounds in environmental and wastewater management.