Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Electron Configuration
Electron configuration refers to the distribution of electrons in an atom's electron shells. In the case of fluorine, it has seven valence electrons, while potassium has one valence electron. This difference in electron configuration is crucial for understanding how these atoms interact and bond with each other.
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Ionic Bonding
Ionic bonding occurs when one atom donates an electron to another, resulting in the formation of charged ions. Fluorine, with its high electronegativity, tends to gain an electron, while potassium, being less electronegative, tends to lose one. This transfer of electrons leads to the formation of a strong electrostatic attraction between the resulting ions.
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Electronegativity
Electronegativity is a measure of an atom's ability to attract and hold onto electrons. Fluorine is one of the most electronegative elements, meaning it strongly attracts electrons, while potassium has a low electronegativity. This significant difference in electronegativity between the two elements indicates that an ionic bond is likely to form when they interact.
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