Question

What is the empirical formula of potassium chloride?

Answer 1

Hint :In order to answer this question, you must be aware about the concept of determining the empirical formula of a compound. The empirical formula can be determined by calculating the number of moles of each element present in the compound and expressing the relationship as a whole number ratio.

Complete Step By Step Answer:
A compound's empirical formula is the lowest whole number ratio of elements in a single molecule or formula unit. The chemical formula for an ionic compound like KCl is always the same as its empirical formula.
The charges on the ions can be used to determine the empirical formula for potassium chloride. Potassium ions have a 1+ charge and the formula $K^{+}$ , while chloride ions have a 1- charge and the formula $C{l}^{-}$ . The net charge of an empirical formula is zero.
The moles of potassium and chlorine are not exactly the same, but it appears that the ratio of K and Cl atoms is 1:1. As a result, the positive and negative ion ratios must result in an overall charge of zero.
 $K^{+}+C{l}^{-}\to KCl$
Therefore, KCl is the chemical formula for potassium chloride.

Note :
Potassium Chloride is an ionic salt featuring a bond between an alkali metal and a halogen. It is characterized by a colourless, crystalline appearance and an odourless smell. In its solid form, potassium chloride can be easily dissolved in water and the resulting KCl solution is said to have a salty taste.