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
Answered by Molly T. Chemistry tutor

4588 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Describe what you would see when a piece of potassium is placed on water. Why does this happen?


What are polymers and why are they useful?


Diamond and Graphite are both giant covalent structures. If they are both made of carbon why does diamond have a higher melting point?


How does sodium chloride (salt/grit) lower the freezing point of water?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning