Chapter 11, Problem 113A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The balance chemical equation for the reaction of potassium with oxygen needs to be determined.

Concept introduction:

A chemical reaction involves the conversion of certain molecules (reactant) to new substance (product) by bond breaking and making.

One of the reactant, which is present in limited amount and determines the amount of product, called as limiting reactant. Whereas another reactant is called as excess reactant.

Answer to Problem 113A

${\text{2 K}}_{\text{(s)}}{\text{ + O}}_{\text{2}}{}_{\text{(g)}}\stackrel{}{\to }{\text{ K}}_2{\text{O}}_{\text{(s)}}$

Explanation of Solution

Given information:

Potassium reacts with oxygen to form oxide.

The reaction between potassium with oxygen forms potassium oxide. The chemical reaction can be written as:

${\text{K}}_{\text{(s)}}{\text{ + O}}_{\text{2}}{}_{\text{(g)}}\stackrel{}{\to }{\text{ K}}_2{\text{O}}_{\text{(s)}}$

To balance the chemical equation, the number of atom must be same at both side. Thus the balance chemical equation must be:

${\text{2 K}}_{\text{(s)}}{\text{ + O}}_{\text{2}}{}_{\text{(g)}}\stackrel{}{\to }{\text{ K}}_2{\text{O}}_{\text{(s)}}$

Conclusion

Reaction of potassium with oxygen to form oxide.