Write a chemical equations 1 . Potassium oxide is dissolved in water.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
When potassium oxide (K₂O) dissolves in water, it reacts with water to form potassium hydroxide (KOH), which is a strong base. The chemical equation for this reaction is:K2O (s)+H2O (l)→2KOH (aq)\text{K}_2\text{O (s)} + \text{H}_2\text{O (l)} \rightarrow 2\text{KOH (aq)}K2O (s)+H2O (l)→2KOH (aq)
Explanation:
Potassium oxide is a basic oxide, meaning it reacts with water to produce an alkaline solution. Potassium oxide is an ionic compound composed of potassium cations (K⁺) and oxide anions (O²⁻). When it comes into contact with water, the oxide anion (O²⁻) reacts with the hydrogen ions (H⁺) in the water to form hydroxide ions (OH⁻). These hydroxide ions combine with the potassium cations (K⁺) to form potassium hydroxide (KOH), which is soluble in water.
This reaction is exothermic, meaning it releases energy in the form of heat. The potassium hydroxide produced in the reaction dissociates completely in water, giving a strong alkaline solution. Potassium hydroxide, like other alkali hydroxides, is highly corrosive and can cause chemical burns.
This process is typical for other alkali metal oxides as well. For example, sodium oxide (Na₂O) will also react with water to form sodium hydroxide (NaOH), which behaves similarly to potassium hydroxide in water.
In summary, when potassium oxide dissolves in water, it forms potassium hydroxide, which increases the solution’s pH and makes it strongly alkaline. This reaction is an example of an acid-base reaction where the oxide reacts as a base with water, releasing hydroxide ions.
