What is the formula for sulfuric acid?

Sulfuric acid is a strong acid characterized by its highly corrosive nature and is widely used in various industrial processes. The chemical formula for sulfuric acid is H₂SO₄, indicating that it consists of two hydrogen atoms, one sulfur atom, and four oxygen atoms.

This formula reflects the molecule's structure, where the sulfur atom is centrally located and bonded to the four oxygen atoms, two of which are also bonded to hydrogen atoms, contributing to the acidic properties of the compound. Understanding this layout is key in recognizing sulfuric acid among other chemical compounds commonly encountered in chemistry, such as hydrochloric acid (HCl), nitric acid (HNO₃), and carbon dioxide (CO₂), each with distinct properties and formulas.