Question: how many nonbonding electron pairs are in a sulfate ion?
Answer: Sulfate is a polyatomic ion with 1 sulfur (6 valence electrons), 4 oxygens (4 x 6 valence electrons = 24 e-) and a charge of -2 (2 valence electrons). If we add all the electrons together we get 32 valence electrons with which to make bonds and lone pairs around the atoms in the ion.