When one atom of potassium (K) combines with one atom of fluorine (F), an ionic bond forms, resulting in potassium fluoride (KF). Which of the following describes the arrangement of valence electrons in a bond between K and F? The valence electrons are shared equally between K and F. The valence electrons spend more time around the atom of K. The valence electrons spend more time around the atom of F. The valence electrons are given up by K and gained by F.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is: The valence electrons are given up by K and gained by F.
Here’s the explanation:
When an ionic bond forms between potassium (K) and fluorine (F), the process involves the transfer of electrons from one atom to another. Potassium (K) is a metal, and it has one electron in its outermost shell. Fluorine (F), on the other hand, is a nonmetal with seven electrons in its outermost shell.
In order for both atoms to achieve a stable electron configuration, potassium will lose its single valence electron, and fluorine will gain that electron. This transfer of electrons leads to the formation of charged particles called ions. Potassium (K) becomes a positively charged ion (K⁺) because it has lost an electron, while fluorine (F) becomes a negatively charged ion (F⁻) because it has gained an electron.
This difference in charge creates an electrostatic attraction between the two ions, which is the ionic bond. The potassium ion (K⁺) and the fluoride ion (F⁻) are held together by this strong attraction, resulting in the formation of potassium fluoride (KF).
In summary, the ionic bond between K and F is characterized by the transfer of electrons from potassium to fluorine, with K giving up an electron and F gaining it. This is typical of ionic bonding, where one atom loses electrons and the other gains them to form ions that are attracted to each other due to their opposite charges.
