Potassium forms compounds with what other elements? What does that mean?

Answer 1

It forms compounds with elements like chlorine.
It is found in group #1, meaning it has 1 electron in its outer shell. It will lose this electron to elements found in the main 7th group, the column containing chlorine, which has 7 electrons in its outer shell.
Pure potassium is a soft, waxy metal that can be easily cut with a knife. It reacts with oxygen to form potassium superoxide (KO2) and with water to form potassium hydroxide (KOH), hydrogen gas and heat. Enough heat is produced to ignite the hydrogen gas. To prevent it from reacting with the oxygen and water in the air, samples of metallic potassium are usually stored submerged in mineral oil.
Potassium forms an alloy with sodium (NaK) that is used as a heat transfer medium in some types of nuclear reactors.
Potassium forms many important compounds. Potassium chloride (KCl) is the most common potassium compound. It is used in fertilizers, as a salt substitute and to produce other chemicals. Potassium hydroxide (KOH) is used to make soaps, detergents and drain cleaners. Potassium carbonate (KHCO3), also known as pearl ash, is used to make some types of glass and soaps and is obtained commercially as a byproduct of the production of ammonia. Potassium superoxide (KO2) can create oxygen from water vapor (H2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2) through the following reaction: 2KO2 + H2O + 2CO2 => 2KHCO3 + O2. It is used in respiratory equipment and is produced by burning potassium metal in dry air. Potassium nitrate (KNO3), also known as saltpeter or nitre, is used in fertilizers, match heads and pyrotechnics.

Answer 2

It may mean that since K acquires a 1+ charge and forms ionic compounds, what other elements might it join with? It would need to bond to negative ions of the nonmetals.

Answer 3

It means name the elements with Potassium reacts to form a new compound eg. 2K+ Cl2...>2KCl