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What is the charge on potassium in the compound KCl?

  • A. -1
  • B. +1
  • C. -2
  • D. +2
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In the compound KCl, the overall charge must be zero since it is a neutral compound. Chlorine (Cl) typically has a charge of -1 in ionic compounds. Therefore, for the compound to be neutral, potassium (K) must have a charge of +1 to balance the -1 charge of chlorine. This results in a total charge of 0 for the compound. Thus, the correct answer is +1. The positively charged potassium ion (K+) combines with the negatively charged chloride ion (Cl-) to form an electrically neutral compound, potassium chloride (KCl).