Final answer:
When a potassium atom reacts with an iodine atom, electron transfer occurs, leading to the formation of potassium iodide. Solid potassium iodide has a crystal lattice structure, with potassium and iodide ions arranged in a specific pattern. The high melting point of potassium iodide is attributed to the strong ionic bonds between the positive and negative ions.
Step-by-step explanation:
(a) Electron Loss and Gain:
When a potassium atom reacts with an iodine atom, the potassium atom will lose one electron and form a positively charged potassium ion (K+), while the iodine atom will gain one electron and form a negatively charged iodide ion (I-). This process is called ionization or electron transfer.
(b) Structure of Solid Potassium Iodide:
Solid potassium iodide (KI) forms a crystal lattice structure, where each potassium ion (K+) is surrounded by six iodide ions (I-) in a cubic arrangement. Similarly, each iodide ion (I-) is surrounded by six potassium ions (K+).
(c) High Melting Point of Potassium Iodide:
Potassium iodide has a high melting point due to the strong electrostatic forces of attraction between the positive and negative ions in the crystal lattice structure. These forces, known as ionic bonds, require a significant amount of energy to overcome, resulting in a high melting point.
Learn more about Potassium iodide and its properties