Potassium Is a Very Reactive Metal,but in Compounds It Is

question 117

Multiple Choice

Potassium is a very reactive metal,but in compounds it is present as the potassium ion and is not very reactive.For example,dry potassium bicarbonate powder can be used to extinguish burning liquids.Why is there such a difference in the reactivity of potassium metal and the potassium ion?

• A)The potassium metal possesses one additional electron that is easily transferred to other substances; the potassium in the bicarbonate salt already has lost this reactive electron.
• B)The potassium atom is bonded to an oxygen atom in the bicarbonate salt but in the metal it is unbound and free to react.
• C)The combustion of the liquids suppresses the potassium's ability to react.
• D)The potassium in the bicarbonate salt is a base,but the potassium metal is an acid.
• E)The potassium in the bicarbonate salt is an acid,but the potassium metal is a base.

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Definitions:

SONIA

The Sterling Overnight Index Average, an important interest rate benchmark in the UK that represents the average of interest rates banks pay to borrow sterling overnight from other financial institutions.

LIBOR

The London Interbank Offered Rate, a benchmark interest rate at which major global banks lend to one another in the international interbank market for short-term loans.

Euribor

The Euro Interbank Offered Rate, which is the benchmark rate of the average interest rate at which major global banks lend to one another.

Treasury Bond

A long-term, fixed-interest U.S. government debt security with a maturity of more than ten years.