Write the equation representing the ionization of sulfuric acid.

Sulfuric acid or `H_2SO_4`is a strong acid and ionizes in two steps. In the first step, one proton is donated and the chemical equation for this step can be written as:

`H_2SO_4 -> H^+ + HSO_4^-`

In the second step, another proton is lost and we obtain the sulfate ion. The chemical equation for this step is given as:

`HSO_4^(-) -> H^+ + SO_4^(2-)`

The overall ionization reaction is the sum of these two steps and can be written as:

`H_2SO_4 -> 2H^+ + SO_4^(2-)`

Thus, when sulfuric acid ionizes, it releases two protons and one sulfate ion, as per the above written equation.

The two step process is necessary because of two protons. In comparison, a strong acid like hydrochloric acid ionizes in a single step to release a proton and a chloride ion.

Hope this helps.