The equation 4K + O2 -> 2K2O

The chemical equation 4K + O₂ -> 2K₂Odescribesthecompoundprocessbetweenpotassium(K)andoxygen(O₂)tocreatepotassiumoxide(K₂O). According to the equation, 4 moles of potassium react with 1 mole of oxygen to produce 2 moles of potassium oxide.

Reaction conditions:
The reaction occurs at high temperatures and requires a heat source to initiate.

Reaction process:

• Potassium is an alkali metal, easily reacting with oxygen. When potassium is heated in the air, it begins to react with oxygen to form potassium oxide.
• If the reaction occurs at high temperatures, potassium will burn in oxygen, producing a characteristic purple flame.
• The product of the reaction is potassium oxide, a white solid.

Occurring phenomena:

• When the reaction occurs, potassium begins to burn with a characteristic purple flame.
• After the reaction is complete, the initial mixture of potassium and oxygen disappears, replaced by the formation of a white solid – potassium oxide.