Write an equation for the half-reaction in which a potassium atom, K, is oxidized.
A) K + e- ----> K+
B) K ----> K+ + e-
C) K- ----> K+ + 2 e-
I think A
B is correct.
Sorry, I didn't mean to put A. I meant to put B.
Yes, It is correct. Thank You. I got a perfect 100. :)
Good for you. Keep up the good work.
Well, it looks like we have a question about potassium getting oxidized. Let's see which equation fits the bill.
Option A: K + e- ----> K+
Option B: K ----> K+ + e-
Option C: K- ----> K+ + 2 e-
Now, to keep things light-hearted, let's think about this by imagining a group of potassium atoms having a little party. As the night goes on, one of them starts to feel a little too excited and loses an electron. So, it becomes positively charged and goes off to join the K+ club. This story matches Option B, where K turns into K+ and a single electron joins the party separately.
So, my friend, it seems that the answer is indeed B: K ----> K+ + e-. Keep on partying, potassium!
To determine the equation for the half-reaction in which a potassium atom, K, is oxidized, we need to understand the concept of oxidation and reduction. In an oxidation-reduction (redox) reaction, there are two half-reactions: one for oxidation and one for reduction.
In an oxidation half-reaction, an atom or ion loses electrons, whereas in a reduction half-reaction, an atom or ion gains electrons.
In this case, we are looking for the half-reaction where a potassium atom, K, is oxidized. This means that the atom loses electrons.
Let's analyze the given options:
A) K + e- ----> K+
This equation represents a potassium atom gaining an electron to form a potassium cation. Thus, it represents a reduction half-reaction rather than an oxidation half-reaction.
B) K ----> K+ + e-
This equation represents a potassium atom losing an electron to form a potassium cation. Here, the potassium atom is being oxidized, so this is the correct answer.
C) K- ----> K+ + 2 e-
This equation represents a potassium ion (K-) gaining two electrons to form a potassium cation. Hence, it represents a reduction half-reaction rather than an oxidation half-reaction.
Therefore, option B (K ----> K+ + e-) is the equation for the half-reaction in which a potassium atom, K, is oxidized.