Question

Give a balanced equation to prepare potassium oxide.

Answer 1

An ionic compound that is formed by combination of potassium and oxygen is potassium oxide. The formula of potassium oxide is ${K_2}O$. We cannot find potassium in a free state as it is highly reactive. It is highly corrosive alkali and is soluble in water. The molecular weight of potassium oxide is $94.2g/mol$.

Complete step by step answer:
We saw that the chemical formula of potassium oxide is ${K_2}O$. It is basic oxide and is widely used in the agricultural industry as fertilizer. We could prepare potassium oxide by reacting potassium and oxygen, and then treating the formed potassium peroxide with potassium metal. We can write the chemical equation for this reaction as,
$4K + {K_2}{O_2} \to 2{K_2}O$
When potassium is burnt with excess of oxygen, potassium oxide is formed. We can write the balanced equation as,
$4K\left( s \right) + {O_2}\left( g \right) \to 2{K_2}O\left( s \right)$
Similarly, when potassium nitrate is melted with elemental potassium we get the product as potassium oxide. We can write the chemical equation as,
$2KN{O_3}\left( l \right) + 10K\left( l \right) \to 6{K_2}O\left( s \right) + {N_2}\left( g \right)$
When potassium hydroxide is dissociated, potassium oxide and water are the products obtained. We can write the chemical equation as,
$2KOH\left( {aq} \right) \to {K_2}O\left( s \right) + {H_2}O\left( l \right)$
Chemical properties:
We must need to remember that the Potassium oxide is odourless. It appears as pale yellow solid and it is soluble in potassium hydroxide and ether. Potassium oxide in reaction with water, potassium hydroxide is formed. Potassium chloride and water are formed when potassium oxide and hydrogen chloride are reacted. We can write the chemical equation as,
${K_2}O + 2HCl \to 2KCl + {H_2}O$

Note:
We must know that the potassium oxide is otherwise known as pure potash. Potassium oxide is used as fertilizer in farming. It is also used in the preparation of soap and glass. It is used in treatment of fungal diseases and infections. It is also used in small quantities for medical purposes.