The equation K2O represents the ionic bond between potassium and oxygen. What is the name of the compound?
The correct answer and explanation is:
The compound represented by the formula K₂O is named potassium oxide.
Potassium oxide is an ionic compound formed from potassium (K) and oxygen (O). In this compound, potassium acts as a metal cation, and oxygen acts as a non-metal anion. Potassium is an alkali metal found in Group 1 of the periodic table, which means it has one electron in its outer shell. To achieve a stable electron configuration, potassium tends to lose this one electron and form a positively charged ion (K⁺).
Oxygen, on the other hand, is a Group 16 element and needs two electrons to complete its outer shell and achieve stability. When oxygen gains two electrons, it becomes an oxide ion (O²⁻).
To balance the charges between potassium and oxygen, two potassium ions (each with a +1 charge) combine with one oxide ion (with a -2 charge). This results in a neutral compound with the formula K₂O. The subscript “2” next to potassium shows that two potassium atoms are needed for every one oxygen atom to maintain electrical neutrality.
The bond between potassium and oxygen in potassium oxide is ionic. This occurs because potassium loses electrons and oxygen gains electrons, creating ions with opposite charges. These oppositely charged ions attract each other, forming a strong ionic bond.
Potassium oxide is a basic oxide and reacts with water to form potassium hydroxide (KOH), a strong base. This behavior is typical of metal oxides from Group 1 elements. The compound usually appears as a white solid and is used in various industrial applications, including glass manufacturing and as a precursor to other potassium compounds.
In summary, the formula K₂O corresponds to potassium oxide, an ionic compound consisting of potassium ions and oxide ions held together by ionic bonds.