What is the chemical formula for sulfur dioxide?

The chemical formula for sulfur dioxide is represented as SO2. This formula indicates that each molecule of sulfur dioxide consists of one sulfur atom and two oxygen atoms. Sulfur dioxide is a significant compound in various environmental processes and industrial applications, particularly in the production of sulfuric acid and in the preservation of food.

In understanding the other options, SO3 refers to sulfur trioxide, which contains one sulfur atom and three oxygen atoms and is a different compound entirely. H2S is hydrogen sulfide, which consists of two hydrogen atoms bonded to one sulfur atom and has very different chemical properties and uses. The formula S2O suggests two sulfur atoms bonded to one oxygen atom, which is not a common or stable formula for any significant chemical compound.

Recognizing the correct representation of sulfur dioxide as SO2 is essential for accurately understanding chemical reactions and processes involving sulfur and oxygen.