Chapter 18, Problem 115A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: It is wrong to say that solid potassium chloride is made up of $\text{KCl}$ molecules, the reason for the same is to be stated.

Concept Introduction: A compound in which the constituent particles are ions and are held together by the electrostatic force of attraction is called an ionic compound.

Answer to Problem 115A

It is wrong to say that solid potassium chloride is made up of $\text{KCl}$ molecules because solid potassium chloride is composed of potassium (positively charged) and chloride (negatively charged) ions.

Explanation of Solution

Potassium chloride is an ionic compound in which the constituent elements are positive potassium ions (formed by the loss of an electron from a potassium atom) and negative chloride ions (formed by the gain of an electron from a potassium atom). That means solid potassium chloride is composed of ions instead of molecules.