Question

Which is the most accurate description of potassium (K)?

A.It is a metalloid.
B.It is dull, brittle, and a poor conductor of electricity.
C.It will tend to gain an electron in a chemical reaction.
D.It will tend to lose an electron in a chemical reaction.

Answer 1

D. It will tend to lose an electron in a chemical reaction.

Answer 2

Answer: Option (D) is the correct answer.

Step-by-step explanation:

Atomic number of potassium is 19 and its electronic distribution is 2, 8, 8, 1. Since, it contains only 1 valence electron therefore, it belongs to group 1 of the periodic table.

And, elements of group 1 are also known as alkali metals. Hence, potassium being a metal will readily lose its valence electron in order to gain stability in a chemical reaction.

And, being a metal potassium will be good conductor of heat and electricity, malleable and ductile etc.

Therefore, we can conclude that the statement it will tend to lose an electron in a chemical reaction is the most accurate description of potassium (K).