Potassium and Oxalate Compounds

The video tutorial explains how to write the formula for potassium oxalate. It begins by identifying potassium as 'K' and oxalate as a polyatomic ion with the formula C2O4 and a charge of 2-. The tutorial discusses the need to balance the charges in ionic compounds, noting that potassium has a 1+ charge. By using two potassium ions, the charges balance, resulting in the formula K2C2O4 for potassium oxalate.

What is the element symbol for potassium?

• Pt

• Po

• K

• P

What is the charge of the oxalate ion?

• 1+

• 2-

• 2+

• 1-

Why is it important to balance charges in ionic compounds?

• To ensure the compound is stable

• To make the compound colorful

• To increase the compound's weight

• To decrease the compound's size

How many potassium ions are needed to balance the charge of one oxalate ion?

• Four

• Three

• Two

• One

What is the correct formula for potassium oxalate?

• K2CO3

• KC2O4

• K2C2O4

• KCO3