When potassium and chlorine react to form a neutral compound, what is the molecular formula of the product?

• A. K2Cl2
• B. K2Cl
• C. KCl2
• D. KCl

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the charges of the ions formed by potassium and chlorine. Potassium (K) is an alkali metal in Group 1 and typically forms a +1 ion, written as K\u207a.
2. Chlorine (Cl) is a halogen in Group 17 and typically forms a -1 ion, written as Cl\u207b.
3. To form a neutral compound, the total positive charge must balance the total negative charge. Since potassium has a +1 charge and chlorine has a -1 charge, they combine in a 1:1 ratio.
4. Write the formula by combining one potassium ion and one chloride ion, resulting in KCl.
5. Verify that the compound is neutral by checking that the sum of charges is zero: (+1) + (-1) = 0, confirming that KCl is the correct molecular formula.