Write equations for the loss of an electron by a K atom and the gain of an electron by a K+ ion.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the initial species involved in each process: a neutral potassium atom (K) and a potassium ion (K^+).
2. For the loss of an electron by a K atom, write the equation: K \rightarrow K^+ + e^-.
3. For the gain of an electron by a K^+ ion, write the equation: K^+ + e^- \rightarrow K.
4. Understand that the first equation represents ionization, where a neutral atom loses an electron to form a cation.
5. Recognize that the second equation represents reduction, where a cation gains an electron to become a neutral atom.

Key Concepts

Ionization Energy

Ionization energy is the energy required to remove an electron from an atom or ion in its gaseous state. For a potassium (K) atom, this process involves overcoming the attractive force between the negatively charged electron and the positively charged nucleus. The equation for this process can be represented as K(g) → K⁺(g) + e⁻, indicating that an electron is lost, resulting in a positively charged ion.

Electron Affinity

Electron affinity refers to the energy change that occurs when an electron is added to a neutral atom in the gaseous state. For a potassium ion (K⁺), gaining an electron results in the formation of a neutral potassium atom. This process can be expressed as K⁺(g) + e⁻ → K(g), where energy is typically released, indicating that the ion is more stable after gaining the electron.

Charge Conservation

Charge conservation is a fundamental principle in chemistry and physics stating that the total electric charge in an isolated system remains constant. In the context of the given question, when a K atom loses an electron, it becomes positively charged (K⁺), while the electron itself carries a negative charge. Similarly, when a K⁺ ion gains an electron, it returns to a neutral state, illustrating the conservation of charge throughout these processes.