Question

When potassium supcroxidc is dissolved in watcr the products obtained arc (1) KOII and \(\mathrm{II}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{2}\) (2) KOII, II \(_{2} \mathrm{O}_{2}\) and \(\mathrm{O}_{2}\) (3) \(\mathrm{KOII}\) and \(\mathrm{O}_{2}\) (4) \(\mathrm{KOII}, \mathrm{II}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{2}\) and \(\mathrm{O}_{3}\)

Short answer

The products are KOH, H₂O₂, and O₂ (Option 2).

Step-by-step solution

- Write the chemical formula of potassium superoxide

Potassium superoxide has the chemical formula KO₂.

- Identify the reaction with water

When potassium superoxide (KO₂) reacts with water (H₂O), it undergoes a chemical reaction.

- Write the balanced chemical equation

The balanced chemical equation for the reaction of potassium superoxide with water is: 2KO₂ + 2H₂O → 2KOH + H₂O₂ + O₂This indicates that the products are potassium hydroxide (KOH), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), and oxygen (O₂).

- Identify the correct answer

Based on the balanced chemical equation, the products obtained when potassium superoxide dissolves in water are KOH, H₂O₂, and O₂.

Key concepts

Chemical Equations

A chemical equation represents a chemical reaction using symbols and formulas. Each element is represented by its chemical symbol, and compounds are shown using their molecular formulas. A chemical equation shows the reactants (the starting substances) and the products (the substances formed). For example, the chemical equation for the reaction between potassium superoxide (KO₂) and water (H₂O) is:
2KO₂ + 2H₂O → 2KOH + H₂O₂ + O₂
This equation tells us that two molecules of potassium superoxide react with two molecules of water to produce two molecules of potassium hydroxide, one molecule of hydrogen peroxide, and one molecule of oxygen.

Chemical Reactions

Chemical reactions occur when substances interact to form new substances. They involve the breaking of old chemical bonds and the formation of new ones. In our example, potassium superoxide reacts with water to form potassium hydroxide, hydrogen peroxide, and oxygen:
2KO₂ + 2H₂O → 2KOH + H₂O₂ + O₂
This is a typical reaction where a compound interacts with water. The reaction can be recognized by the change in chemical composition, which is indicated by the formation of different substances from the original reactants.

Potassium Compounds

Potassium compounds include various important chemicals used in different reactions and applications. Potassium superoxide (KO₂) is one such compound. It reacts with water to produce potassium hydroxide (KOH), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), and oxygen (O₂). Potassium hydroxide is a strong base often used in industrial processes, while hydrogen peroxide is a common disinfectant and bleaching agent. The reaction can be represented as:
2KO₂ + 2H₂O → 2KOH + H₂O₂ + O₂
Understanding how potassium compounds interact with other substances helps us utilize them effectively in real-world applications.

Balanced Equations

Balanced equations are vital in chemistry because they show that mass is conserved during a reaction. In a balanced equation, the number of atoms for each element is the same on both sides of the equation. For example, the balanced equation for the reaction between potassium superoxide and water is:
2KO₂ + 2H₂O → 2KOH + H₂O₂ + O₂
Here, we have exactly two potassium atoms, four oxygen atoms, and four hydrogen atoms on both sides of the equation. Balancing chemical equations ensures that the reaction's mass and charge are conserved, following the law of conservation of mass.