Magnesium reacts with a certain element to form a compound with the general formula MgX. What would the most likely formula be for the compound formed between potassium and element X?

Question

anonymous · Answer

Mg belongs in IIA group, so it creates 2 valence bonds, we conclude that the element X also makes 2 valence bonds. K belongs in IA group creating 1 valence bond, so how many atoms of K would be required to react with one atom of X?

anonymous · Answer

I'm not sure.

anonymous · Answer

One?

anonymous · Answer

Use algebra, 
1x2(Mg) = 1x2(X)
so( '?' represents the number of atoms needed in this case):
?x1(K) = 1x2(X)
?(K) = 2