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A potassium atom "always" loses exactly one valence electron when it reacts with another element, because one valence electron in a potassium atom has a much lower ionization energy requirement than any other electron in the same atom. (This property is generally ascribed to the fact that when a potassium loses exactly one electron, it acquires the very stable electron configuration of the noble gas argon.) A chlorine atom has a very strong attraction (its electronegativity) for exactly one electron, which gives the charged atom the electron configuration of an argon atom. Therefore, when a potassium atom is close enough to a chlorine atom, one electron is transferred between to form an ionic bond and a formula unit of the compound potassium chloride.

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Ionic charge of chlorine?

The ionic charge of chlorine is typically -1. Chlorine has a valence electron structure of 2, 8, 7, so it tends to gain one electron to achieve a full outer shell and form an anion with a charge of -1.


Why does ionisation result in a decrease in size for potassium but an increase in chlorine?

Ionization of potassium (K) results in a positive ion, K+, which has the electronic configuration of Ar. The ionization of chlorine (Cl) results in a negative ion (Cl-), also with the electronic configuration of Ar. Adding an electron always increases the size of an atom, and removing one always decreases its size.Note that both K+ and Cl- have the same number of electrons, but Cl- is larger than K+, because they are not as tightly held to the nucleus in Cl- because it has 2 less protons than potassium does. The size of the electron cloud determines the size of the atom and with fewer positively charged protons to pull the same number of electrons in close to the nucleus the electron cloud is larger for Cl-.


What one is larger a chlorine atom or a chloride ion?

A chloride ion is larger than a chlorine atom because it has gained an electron, leading to increased electron-electron repulsion and a larger ionic radius compared to the atomic radius of a chlorine atom.


What is it called when chlorine becomes chloride?

When chlorine becomes chloride, the chlorine gains an electron to form an anion. This process is called oxidation. Oxidation always occurs with reduction (loss of an electron from another substance) in an oxidation reduction reaction.


What is the oxidation number of k?

The oxidation number of the element potassium (K) is +1. This is because alkali metals like potassium typically lose one electron to achieve a stable electron configuration.

Related Questions

Chemical formula for potassium and chlorine?

Chloride: Cl-Potassium bromide: KBr


Is a valence electron the same thing as a electron?

Yes, but valence electrons are always in the outer electron shell of an atom.


Ionic charge of chlorine?

The ionic charge of chlorine is typically -1. Chlorine has a valence electron structure of 2, 8, 7, so it tends to gain one electron to achieve a full outer shell and form an anion with a charge of -1.


Why does ionisation result in a decrease in size for potassium but an increase in chlorine?

Ionization of potassium (K) results in a positive ion, K+, which has the electronic configuration of Ar. The ionization of chlorine (Cl) results in a negative ion (Cl-), also with the electronic configuration of Ar. Adding an electron always increases the size of an atom, and removing one always decreases its size.Note that both K+ and Cl- have the same number of electrons, but Cl- is larger than K+, because they are not as tightly held to the nucleus in Cl- because it has 2 less protons than potassium does. The size of the electron cloud determines the size of the atom and with fewer positively charged protons to pull the same number of electrons in close to the nucleus the electron cloud is larger for Cl-.


How many valence electrons are in calcium plus chlorine?

the valence of CaCl2 is 2 because its not necessary that CaCl2 is always attached in hydrated form...... the basic thing which u study in your school classes that the outermost shell of both the element must be completed. so cacl2 has the valency of 2 because ca is electropositive. think it


Why the valence of carbon is always positive?

valency of carbon is positive as it gives it electron so it is positively charge


What one is larger a chlorine atom or a chloride ion?

A chloride ion is larger than a chlorine atom because it has gained an electron, leading to increased electron-electron repulsion and a larger ionic radius compared to the atomic radius of a chlorine atom.


What is it called when chlorine becomes chloride?

When chlorine becomes chloride, the chlorine gains an electron to form an anion. This process is called oxidation. Oxidation always occurs with reduction (loss of an electron from another substance) in an oxidation reduction reaction.


Does each Transition Metal on the Periodic Table only have 2 valence electrons according to the electron configuration with subshells?

Because valence electron are always in the outer most layer (here the N number). You would think that the valence would come from the D orbital but if you look attentively, there will always be a S orbital with a higher N number. Example: Sc 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2 3d1 The valence electron will always come from the 4s2 subshell, and as you go along the period, the electrons are going to add up only in the 3d orbital.


What is the common charge in potassium when it forms an ion?

The common charge for potassium when it forms an ion is +1. This is because potassium belongs to Group 1 of the periodic table, which means it readily loses one electron to achieve a stable electron configuration.


Why does a chloride ion have a larger radius than a chlorine atom?

chlorine ion has one more electron than the chlorine atom, thus the pull of the electrons to the protons in the nucleus is less because of the extra electron allowing the electron cloud to relax a tiny bit


What kind of ions do a sodium atom and a chlorine atom become when a valence electron is transferred from one to another?

Whenever an ionic bond is formed the name of said molecule always begins with the name of the metallic element and ends with the name of the non-mettalic element ending with -ide. For example; sodium chloride.