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Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the correct chemical formula for potassium oxide?
A
K2O2
B
K2O
C
KO2
D
KO
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the charges of the ions involved: Potassium (K) is an alkali metal in Group 1, so it forms a +1 charge ion, written as K\u207a.
Oxygen typically forms an oxide ion with a charge of -2, written as O\u207b\u00b2.
To write the correct formula for potassium oxide, balance the total positive and negative charges so the compound is electrically neutral.
Since potassium has a +1 charge and oxide has a -2 charge, you need two potassium ions to balance one oxide ion, resulting in the formula K\u2082O.
Verify that the formula K\u2082O has a total charge of zero: (2 \times +1) + (1 \times -2) = 0, confirming it is the correct formula for potassium oxide.