The chemical equation for the reaction of potassium metal and chlorine gas to form potassium chloride is:

2K(s) + Cl₂(g) → 2KCl(s)

Here's a breakdown of the equation:

* 2K(s): This represents two moles of solid potassium (K). The "(s)" indicates that it's in the solid state.

* Cl₂(g): This represents one mole of chlorine gas (Cl₂). The "(g)" indicates that it's in the gaseous state.

* 2KCl(s): This represents two moles of solid potassium chloride (KCl). The "(s)" indicates that it's in the solid state.

Explanation:

This is a vigorous reaction where potassium readily loses an electron to become a positive ion (K⁺), and chlorine gains an electron to become a negative ion (Cl⁻). These oppositely charged ions then attract each other, forming the ionic compound potassium chloride (KCl).