What happens when two atoms of potassium react with one atom of sulphur?

Bonding between this compound will be ionic as potassium is a metal and sulphur is a non-metal.Therefore electrons are transferred from potassium to sulphur as metals must lose electrons to gain a full outer shell. Two potassium atoms each lose one electron, as each atom only has one electron to lose in its outer shell.This forms K+ ions, each with a 1+ charge.One sulphur atom can gain 2 electrons.This therefore form one S2-, with a 2- charge.

AS
Answered by Amrit S. Chemistry tutor

8258 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Explain, in terms of particles, why the rate decreases during the reaction between magnesium and hydrochloric acid.


What is the difference between ionic and covalent bonding


What is the difference between covalent compounds and ionic compounds?


What will be the resulting molecule if carbon-14 underwent beta decay?


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