How can potassium form an ionic compound with sulphur?

An ionic compound is formed from positive and negative ions which have balanced and opposite charges.K has 1 electron in it's outer shell. S has 6 electrons in it's outer shell. S needs 2 more electrons to fill it's outer shell and become more stable. K can only lose 1 electron so 2 atoms of K are needed. Each of the 2 atoms of K lose 1 electron each and become +1 ions. Both of these electrons are gained by the S atom which becomes a -2 ion. The ionic compound formed is K2S.

MT

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

why do metallically bonded structures conduct electricity


During a chemical reaction, a student uses a catalyst. What is meant by the term "catalyst"?


Name and describe the type of bond in sodium chloride


How does increasing chain length alter the melting and boiling temperatures?