When \( \text{K}_2\text{SO}_4 \) dissolves in water, it dissociates as:
\[
\text{K}_2\text{SO}_4 \rightarrow 2\text{K}^+ + \text{SO}_4^{2-}
\]
Total number of particles after dissociation:
\[
1 \text{ (salt)} \rightarrow 2 + 1 = 3 \text{ particles}
\]
Therefore, the van’t Hoff factor \( i = 3 \)
Answer: \( \boxed{3} \)