Question

When an ionic bond forms between potassium (K) and chlorine (Cl), which of the following occurs?

A. K loses one electron
B. K loses two electrons
C. K gains one electron
D. K and Cl share electrons

Answer 1

The answer is A, K gives one electron to chlorine, making
`K^(+)Cl^(-)`. Hope this helps.

Answer 2

Answer: When an ionic bond is formed between potassium and chlorine atom, potassium looses 1 electron.

Step-by-step explanation:

Ionic bond is defined as the bond which is formed by complete transfer of electrons from one atom to another atom.

The atom which looses the electron is known as electropositive atom and the atom which gains the electron is known as electronegative atom. This bond is usually formed between a metal and a non-metal.

Potassium is the 19th element of the periodic table having electronic configuration of
`1s^22s^22p^63s^23p^64s^1`

This element will loose 1 electron to form
`K^+` ion

Chlorine is the 17th element of the periodic table having electronic configuration of
`1s^22s^22p^63s^23p^5`

This element will gain 1 electron to form
`Cl^-` ion

Hence, when an ionic bond is formed between potassium and chlorine atom, potassium looses 1 electron.