Which of the following is a characteristic of potassium chloride?

Potassium chloride is classified as a salt, which is a key characteristic of this compound. It forms when potassium ions (K⁺) combine with chloride ions (Cl⁻) through an ionic bond, resulting from the neutralization reaction of a strong acid (hydrochloric acid) and a strong base (potassium hydroxide). Salts are typically crystalline solids at room temperature and can dissolve in water to produce ions, making potassium chloride an essential compound used in various applications, including as a food preservative and a source of potassium in fertilizers.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately describe potassium chloride. It is not a strong acid, as it does not donate protons in solution; instead, it is neutral. It is also not a base, which would typically accept protons or release hydroxide ions in solution. Additionally, potassium chloride is not a gas at room temperature; it exists as a solid crystalline substance.