Complete the following for the compound potassium sulfite. formula = K2SO3 atom potassium sulfur number in formula oxygen
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The compound potassium sulfite is represented by the formula K₂SO₃. Let’s break down its components:
Formula: K₂SO₃
- Potassium (K):
- Potassium is a metal element, and in the formula, there are 2 potassium atoms (K). Potassium typically forms a +1 charge in ionic compounds, so it needs one chloride ion to balance the charge in the case of potassium sulfite. Since there are two potassium atoms, each with a +1 charge, the total positive charge is +2.
- Sulfur (S):
- Sulfur is a non-metal element that forms a sulfite ion (SO₃²⁻) when combined with oxygen. In this case, the sulfite ion has a -2 charge. There is 1 sulfur atom (S) in the formula, and it combines with the oxygen atoms to form the sulfite ion.
- Oxygen (O):
- Oxygen, a highly electronegative non-metal, forms the sulfite ion by combining with sulfur. In potassium sulfite, there are 3 oxygen atoms (O) in the sulfite ion (SO₃²⁻). The negative charge on the sulfite ion is spread across these oxygen atoms, giving each oxygen a partial negative charge.
Explanation:
Potassium sulfite is an ionic compound composed of potassium ions (K⁺) and sulfite ions (SO₃²⁻). The potassium ions are positively charged and are attracted to the negatively charged sulfite ions. To maintain overall electrical neutrality, the charges must balance. Since each potassium ion carries a +1 charge, and the sulfite ion carries a -2 charge, two potassium ions are required to balance the charge of one sulfite ion, resulting in the formula K₂SO₃.
In summary:
- Potassium (K): 2 atoms
- Sulfur (S): 1 atom
- Oxygen (O): 3 atoms
Thus, the correct formula for potassium sulfite is K₂SO₃.