Which of the following is the correct chemical formula for potassium oxide?

• A. K2O
• B. KO
• C. K2O2
• D. KO2

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the charges of the ions involved: Potassium (K) is an alkali metal in Group 1, so it forms a +1 cation, written as K\u207a.
2. Oxygen typically forms an oxide ion with a charge of -2, written as O\u207b\u00b2.
3. To write the correct formula for potassium oxide, balance the total positive and negative charges so the compound is electrically neutral.
4. Since each potassium ion has a +1 charge and the oxide ion has a -2 charge, you need two potassium ions to balance one oxide ion.
5. Combine the ions accordingly to get the formula: \(\mathrm{K}_2\mathrm{O}\), which shows two potassium ions for every oxide ion.