Question

Write the chemical formula of the compound potassium sulphate in a step-by-step manner.

Answer 1

The symbol of potassium is ‘K’ which is derived from the Latin word Kalium, having valency 1⁺.

The formula of sulphate is ‘SO₄’ with valency 2^-.

Step 1 –

Write the formula of potassium sulphate:

Symbol Valency

Potassium K 1⁺

Sulphate SO₄ 2^-

Step 2 –

Write each symbol with its valency:

K¹⁺ SO₄^2-

Step 3 –

Interchanging the valencies:

$$\begin{gathered} \mathrm{K}\mathrm{SO} \\ \searrow \swarrow \\ {1}^{+}{2}^{-} \end{gathered}$$

The formula of the compound is K₂SO₄.