write a formula for this compound potassium nitrate
KNO₃
Write the formula of potassium nitrate
The formula for potassium nitrate is KNO3.
To write the formula for potassium nitrate, you need to know the symbols and valencies of the individual atoms present.
The symbol for potassium is K, and it has a valency of +1. The symbol for nitrate is NO3, and it has a valency of -1.
To balance the charges of the ions, you need one potassium ion (K+) to balance one nitrate ion (NO3-).
Since the valency of potassium (K+) is +1, and the valency of nitrate (NO3-) is -1, you need one potassium ion and one nitrate ion for the charges to cancel out. Therefore, the formula for potassium nitrate is KNO3.
It is important to note that the formula does not explicitly show how the atoms are arranged in the compound, but indicates the ratio of the different atoms present.