Q10
3 marksShort AnswerSection A

From the following elements: 4Be;9F;19K;20Ca4 \text{Be}; 9 \text{F}; 19 \text{K}; 20 \text{Ca} (i) Select the element having one electron in the outermost shell. (ii) two elements of the same group. Write the formula of and mention the nature of the compound formed by the union of 19K and element X(2,8,7).

Metals and Non-metals
Chemical Properties of Metals and Ionic Bonding
Official Answer

Based on the given elements: 4Be_4\text{Be}, 9F_9\text{F}, 19K_{19}\text{K}, and 20Ca_{20}\text{Ca}:


  1. Element with one electron in the outermost shell: Potassium (19K_{19}\text{K}), which has an electronic configuration of 2,8,8,12, 8, 8, 1.
  2. Two elements of the same group: Beryllium (4Be_4\text{Be}) and Calcium (20Ca_{20}\text{Ca}). Both have 22 valence electrons and belong to Group 2 (Alkaline Earth Metals).
  3. Formula of the compound formed by 19K_{19}\text{K} and X(2,8,7)\text{X}(2,8,7): KX\text{KX}
  4. Nature of the compound: Ionic (or electrovalent) compound.
PotassiumBerylliumCalciumKXIonicElectrovalentvalence electronsoctet rule

Marking Scheme

  • 1Identify Potassium (19K_{19}\text{K}) as the element with one valence electron by writing its configuration (2,8,8,12, 8, 8, 1). (1 mark)
  • 2Identify Beryllium (4Be_{4}\text{Be}) and Calcium (20Ca_{20}\text{Ca}) as elements of the same group because both have 2 valence electrons. (1 mark)
  • 3Write the correct chemical formula KX\text{KX} and state that the compound is ionic/electrovalent in nature. (1 mark)

Hint

Write the electronic configurations of Be, F, K, and Ca. Elements with the same number of valence electrons belong to the same group. K loses one electron and X gains one electron to form an ionic bond.

Quick Oral Answer

Q: What type of bond is formed between a metal like Potassium and a non-metal like Chlorine? A: An ionic (or electrovalent) bond is formed by the complete transfer of electrons from the metal atom to the non-metal atom.

Analysis & Explanation

The chemical reactivity and bonding behavior of elements are determined by their valence shell configurations. Potassium (19K_{19}\text{K}), an alkali metal, readily loses its single valence electron to achieve a stable noble gas configuration (2,8,82, 8, 8). Element X\text{X} (2,8,72, 8, 7), which is Chlorine (17Cl_{17}\text{Cl}), is a highly electronegative halogen that requires one electron to complete its octet. The transfer of an electron from K\text{K} to X\text{X} forms K+\text{K}^+ and X\text{X}^- ions, which are held together by strong electrostatic forces of attraction, forming the ionic compound KX\text{KX} (Potassium Chloride).

Common Mistakes

  1. 1Writing the formula as K2X or KX2 instead of KX.
  2. 2Identifying Be and F as being in the same group because they are in the same period.
  3. 3Describing the nature of the compound as covalent instead of ionic.

Interesting Facts

Potassium is so reactive that it reacts violently with water, catching fire and producing a characteristic lilac-colored flame.

Element X with configuration 2, 8, 7 is Chlorine. When combined with Potassium, it forms Potassium Chloride (KCl), which is used as a sodium-free salt substitute for cardiac patients.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many marks does this question carry in CBSE Class 10 Science 2015?

This question carries 3 marks in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2015 examination.

Which chapter does this question come from in Science?

This question is from the chapter "Metals and Non-metals" in the CBSE Class 10 Science syllabus.

What topic does this question cover in Science?

This question covers the topic "Chemical Properties of Metals and Ionic Bonding" from CBSE Class 10 Science.

What type of question is this in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2015 paper?

This is a Short Answer question from Section A in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2015 paper.