Chemistry: The Central Science (13th Edition)

Published by Prentice Hall
ISBN 10: 0321910419
ISBN 13: 978-0-32191-041-7

Chapter 8 - Basic Concepts of Chemical Bonding - Exercises - Page 334: 8.17b

Answer

The ionic compound formed would have the chemical formula $$K_2S$$

Work Step by Step

The electron configuration of $K$ is $$[Ar]4s^1$$ The electron configuration of $S$ is $$[Ne]3s^23p^4$$ Both of these atoms would tend to lose, gain or share electrons so that it could reach an octet, that is to have 8 valence electrons, or in other words, to achieve the configuration of a noble gas. $S$ atom lacks 2 more electrons to reach an octet $(3s^23p^6)$, while $K$ atom, if loses its only valence electron in subshell $4s$, would achieve the configuration of noble gas $Ar$, with 8 valence electrons (an octet). Therefore, $K$ atom is willing to lose 1 valence electron to the $S$ atom so that $K$ atom can reach an octet. However, the $S$ atom still needs 1 more electron to reach an octet. Therefore, another $K$ atom must join to give 1 more electron to the $S$ atom so that all can reach an octet. Eventually, there is 2 $K$ atoms and 1 $S$ atom involved in the reaction. That means the ionic compound formed would have the chemical formula $$K_2S$$
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