Which from following elements form superoxide with air?

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TestHub · Accepted Answer

Alkali metals react with oxygen in the air to form different types of oxides depending on the size of the metal ion.

Lithium (Li) forms mainly the normal oxide, lithium oxide ( $L i_{2} O$ ).

Sodium (Na) forms mainly the peroxide, sodium peroxide ( $N a_{2} O_{2}$ ).

Potassium (K), rubidium (Rb), and cesium (Cs) form superoxides ( $M O_{2}$ ) because the larger size of these metal ions stabilizes the larger superoxide ion ( $O_{2}^{-}$ ).

Magnesium (Mg) forms the normal oxide, magnesium oxide ( $M g O$ ).

Therefore, potassium (K) forms a superoxide ( $K O_{2}$ ) when it reacts with air.

Answer: K

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