Chapter 2 - Atoms, Molecules, and Ions - Questions and Exercises - Exercises - Page 88: 2.115

The answer is option (c). In water, sodium sulfite (Na$_2$SO$_3$) will dissociate into two sodium ions (Na$^+$) and one sulfite ion (SO$_3$$^{2-}$). The sulfite ions remain intact and do not dissociate any further. Therefore, the best representation of sodium sulfate in water is option (c).

In water, sodium sulfite (Na$_2$SO$_3$) will dissociate into two sodium ions (Na$^+$) and one sulfite ion (SO$_3$$^{2-}$). The sulfite ions remain intact and do not dissociate any further. Therefore, the best representation of sodium sulfate in water is option (c).