When potassium salt (KCI) forms, which action occurs between the reacting elements?

Question

A. Potassium donates an electron to chlorine
B. Potassium shares an electron with chlorine
C. Nothing happens
D. Chlorine donates an electron to potassium

Answer 1

The correct answer is:

A. Potassium donates an electron to chlorine.

In the formation of potassium chloride (KCl), potassium (K) donates an electron to chlorine (Cl). Potassium, being an alkali metal, has one electron in its outermost shell and tends to lose that electron to achieve a stable electron configuration. Chlorine, a halogen, has seven electrons in its outer shell and tends to gain an electron to complete its outer shell. This transfer of electrons results in the formation of ionic bonds between the potassium cation (K⁺) and the chloride anion (Cl⁻).