Question

Pretend that you are the size of an atom, observing a reaction between a potassium atom and a fluorine atom. Write an account of the formation of an ionic bond as the atoms react. Tell what happens to the valence electrons on each atom and how each atom is changed by losing or gaining electrons.

Answer 1

Potassium (K) is a metal having 1 valence electron, and fluorine (F) is a nonmetal having 7 valence electrons. Recall that having 8 valence electron (electrons in the last shell of an atom) is a stable atom. Since both potassium and fluorine need to lose and gain, respectively, a valence electron to become stable, an ionic bond form between them where the electron lost by potassium goes to fluorine.