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

4717 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Nitrogen has an atomic number of 7 and mass number of 14, an isotope of nitrogen has a mass number of 17. Explain what an isotope is and state how many electrons, protons and neutrons this isotope has?


Why are metals good conductors?


Why does magnesium oxide have such a high melting point?


Describe how a metal conducts electricity


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:

© 2026 by IXL Learning