Question

What is formed when potassium is heated strongly in oxygen?

Answer 1

Hint: In the given question firstly we have to define what exactly is the compound formed when potassium is heated strongly in oxygen and give the proper definition and the characteristics of it. And we know that it is a superoxide and is formed after a high level of oxidation.

Complete answer:
The given question statement asks about the compound that would form when the potassium and the oxygen would react in order to make the compound. We have to provide the basic definition and the other important characteristics for the compound.
Potassium oxide is produced from the reaction of oxygen and potassium; this reaction affords potassium peroxide, ${K_2}{O_2}$ . Potassium forms superoxide in reaction with the oxygen.
The compound of Potassium superoxide is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula of $K{O_2}$ . In terms of physical appearance It can be described as a yellow paramagnetic solid that decomposes in moist air. It is also a rare example of the stable salt of the superoxide anion of the reaction.
The chemical reaction in the given problem would be as follows :
$K + {O_2} \to K{O_2}$
So basically here, there would be a fission reaction where there would be heat.

Note:
Potassium superoxide is a potent oxidizer and can produce explosive reactions when combined with a variety of substances and compounds, including water, acids, organics, or powdered graphite. Even dry superoxide can produce an impact-sensitive explosive compound when combined with organic oils such as kerosene.