The shape of the sulfate ion is

The shape of the sulfate ion (SO₄²⁻) is Tetrahedral.

Explanation:

• The sulfur atom in the sulfate ion is surrounded by four oxygen atoms.
• These four oxygen atoms are arranged in a tetrahedral geometry around the sulfur atom due to the sp³ hybridization of sulfur.
• This arrangement minimizes electron pair repulsion, leading to the tetrahedral shape.