Question

Consider the formation of an ionic bond between the elements potassium (K) and chlorine (Cl). Which of the following statements describe this process correctly?

•Cl gains two electrons to form the Cl⁻ anion.
•K loses one electron from its 4s orbital to form a K⁺ cation.
•The formation of this bond requires two K atoms for every one Cl atom.
•The total number of electrons lost equals the total number of electrons gained.
•Both the K⁺ and Cl⁻ ions have full outer shells containing 8 electrons.

Answer 1

The correct description of the ionic bond formation between potassium (K) and chlorine (Cl) involves K losing an electron to become K+, while Cl gains an electron to become Cl-, with the total electrons lost and gained being equal and both ions having full outer shells.

Step-by-step explanation:

The formation of an ionic bond between potassium (K) and chlorine (Cl) involves the transfer of electrons. Potassium, with one electron in its outermost shell, loses that electron to form a K+ cation. This is because it's more energy efficient for potassium to lose one electron than to gain seven. Chlorine, with seven electrons in its valence shell, gains one electron to achieve a full octet, thus becoming a Cl- anion. These ions are then held together by the electrostatic attraction due to their opposite charges, forming potassium chloride (KCl), a compound with a 1:1 ratio of potassium to chlorine.

The correct statements are that K loses one electron from its 4s orbital to form a K+ cation, the total number of electrons lost equals the total number of electrons gained, and both the K+ and Cl- ions have full outer shells containing 8 electrons.

Answer 2

Explanation and Answer:

The formation of an ionic bond between potassium (K) and chlorine (Cl) can be described by the following statements:

Incorrect: Cl gains two electrons to form the Cl⁻ anion. In reality, chlorine gains one electron to form the Cl⁻ anion.

Correct: K loses one electron from its 4s orbital to form a K⁺ cation. Potassium indeed loses one electron from its outermost shell (4s orbital) to achieve a stable electron configuration.

Incorrect: The formation of this bond requires two K atoms for every one Cl atom. Actually, the formation of the bond requires one K atom for every one Cl atom.

Correct: The total number of electrons lost equals the total number of electrons gained. This is a fundamental principle of charge conservation in ionic bonding.

Correct: Both the K⁺ and Cl⁻ ions have full outer shells containing 8 electrons. After the transfer of one electron from K to Cl, both ions achieve a stable electron configuration (known as the octet rule).