Salt `P+ H_(2)SO_4rarrRoverset(BaCl_2)rarr` white ppt `(P)` is paramagnetic in nature and contains about 55% K .So (P) is

Options

A. `KO_2`
B. `K_2O`
C. `K_(2) SO_(4)`
D. `K_(2)O_2`

Answer

To determine the identity of salt P, we need to analyze the information given in the question step by step.

### Step 1: Understand the properties of salt P
- Salt P is paramagnetic, which means it has unpaired electrons.
- It contains approximately 55% potassium (K).

### Step 2: Calculate the molecular weight of salt P
To find the molecular weight of salt P, we can use the percentage composition of potassium.

Let’s denote the molecular weight of salt P as M. Since potassium has an atomic weight of approximately 39 g/mol, we can set up the equation based on the percentage:

\[ \frac{39 \, \text{g/mol}}{M} \times 100 = 55 \]

From this, we can solve for M:

\[ 39 \times 100 = 55M \\ 3900 = 55M \\ M = \frac{3900}{55} \approx 70.91 \, \text{g/mol} \]

### Step 3: Identify possible compounds
Now, we need to find a compound that contains potassium and has a molar mass close to 70.91 g/mol.

1. **Potassium Superoxide (KO2)**:
- Molar mass: K (39) + O2 (32) = 39 + 32 = 71 g/mol.
- This is close to our calculated molar mass.

2. **Potassium Oxide (K2O)**:
- Molar mass: 2K (78) + O (16) = 78 + 16 = 94 g/mol (too high).

3. **Potassium Sulfate (K2SO4)**:
- Molar mass: 2K (78) + S (32) + 4O (64) = 78 + 32 + 64 = 174 g/mol (too high).

4. **Potassium Peroxide (K2O2)**:
- Molar mass: 2K (78) + 2O (32) = 78 + 32 = 110 g/mol (too high).

### Step 4: Verify paramagnetism
Now, let's check if KO2 is paramagnetic. The superoxide ion (O2−) has one unpaired electron:

- The electron configuration of O2−:
- O2 has 16 electrons, but O2− has 17 electrons.
- The configuration is:
- 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ (8 electrons from the first oxygen) + 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ (8 electrons from the second oxygen) + 1 unpaired electron from the additional electron in the 2p orbital.

Since KO2 has unpaired electrons, it is indeed paramagnetic.

### Conclusion
Based on the calculations and the properties of the compounds, we conclude that salt P is **Potassium Superoxide (KO2)**.