Question

Find atomicity of $KOH$
A. $2$
B. $3$
C. $4$
D. $5$

Answer 1

We are given a molecule of potassium hydroxide that is $KOH$. To find atomicity, we will add the atoms present in the given molecule as atomicity is defined as the total number of atoms present in a molecule.

Complete Step by step answer: Atomicity is defined as the total number of atoms present in a molecule. We know that every matter consists of millions of atoms. An atom is the smallest basic unit of any matter. A molecule is defined as a group of atoms that are held together by chemical bonds. ${H_2}O$ is a molecule of water, similarly $C{O_2},{H_2}$ are molecules of carbon dioxide and hydrogen respectively. Atoms form molecules or compounds to complete their outermost shell. According to the octet rule, an atom prefers to have eight electrons in their outermost shell. If they have less than eight electrons, they combine with other atoms to complete their octet.
Now we are given $KOH$, which is a molecule of potassium hydroxide. To find atomicity, let us count the total number of atoms present in this molecule. The total number of atoms are three that is $K,O$ and $H$

Thus the correct option is $B$.

Note: Molecule is a general term used to define a combination of atoms. A compound is a combination of different types of atoms. All compounds are molecules but not all molecules are compounds.Potassium Hydroxide is also known as caustic potash. It is used in chemical industries, also used in foods to adjust $pH$ or as a stabilizer.