Which chemical formula corresponds to sulfur dioxide?

The chemical formula for sulfur dioxide is correctly represented as SO₂. This formula indicates that each molecule of sulfur dioxide contains one sulfur (S) atom and two oxygen (O) atoms.

In naming compounds, particularly in covalent compounds like sulfur dioxide, the prefixes reflect the number of atoms of each element present in the molecule. The "di-" prefix in "dioxide" signifies the presence of two oxygen atoms.

Understanding the structure of this molecule is critical. Sulfur is a non-metal that can form various oxides, and in the case of sulfur dioxide, it is in the +4 oxidation state. The formula helps to convey not only the composition but also the stoichiometry of the molecule accurately, essential for predicting the behavior of compounds in chemical reactions.

The other choices do not correctly represent sulfur dioxide: SO₃ refers to sulfur trioxide and indicates three oxygen atoms; S₄ is not a recognized compound in this context; and S₀₄ also does not correspond to any known sulfur oxide. Therefore, SO₂ is uniquely and specifically the formula for sulfur dioxide.