Sulfate

High school (ages 12+)
Science & Technology

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/sulfate

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the major mineral forms?Gypsum (CaSO4·2H2O), anhydrite (CaSO4), barite (BaSO4), celestite (SrSO4), epsomite (MgSO4·7H2O)
2. What is a sulfate ion?A sulfate ion is a tiny charged particle made of one sulfur atom bonded to four oxygen atoms in a tetrahedral shape. It carries a negative charge, which makes it very reactive and able to join with other ions.
3. Where do sulfates usually come from?Sulfates form when sulfide minerals break down and react with oxygen and water. They also appear when salty water evaporates, leaving behind minerals like gypsum and anhydrite.

Polyatomic Anion: A molecule composed of multiple atoms that carries a net negative electrical charge.