What is the charge on potassium in the compound KCl?

Rationale

Potassium has a charge of +1 in the compound KCl.

In KCl, potassium (K) donates one electron to achieve a stable electron configuration, resulting in a +1 oxidation state. This positive charge is balanced by the -1 charge of chloride (Cl), forming a neutral compound.

A (-1) YOUR ANSWER

This choice incorrectly assigns a negative charge to potassium. In ionic compounds, metals like potassium typically lose electrons to form positive ions. Since potassium is an alkali metal, it cannot have a -1 charge in KCl.

B (+1) CORRECT

This is the correct choice, as potassium readily loses one electron to achieve a stable electronic configuration, resulting in a +1 charge. This behavior is characteristic of alkali metals, which form cations with a +1 charge.

C (-2) YOUR ANSWER

A -2 charge on potassium is inaccurate because potassium, as an alkali metal, does not gain electrons; rather, it loses one. Thus, it cannot have a -2 charge in any stable ionic compound, including KCl.

D (+2) YOUR ANSWER

This option is also incorrect. Potassium does not typically exhibit a +2 oxidation state. As an alkali metal, it only forms a +1 cation by losing a single electron, making +2 an unlikely charge for potassium in any compound.

Conclusion

In KCl, potassium carries a +1 charge by losing one electron, while chloride carries a -1 charge, resulting in a neutral compound. Understanding the oxidation states of elements is crucial in predicting the charges in ionic compounds, particularly for alkali metals like potassium, which consistently form +1 cations.

What is the charge on potassium in the compound KCl?

Potassium has a charge of +1 in the compound KCl.

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