Symbol: KAtomic Number: 19Atomic Weight: 39.0983Classification: Alkali metalPhase at Room Temperature: SolidDensity: 0.86 grams per centimeter cubedMelting Point: 63.38°C, 146.08°FBoiling Point: 759°C, 1398°FDiscovered by: teacher Humphry Davy in 1807Potassium is the fourth facet in the an initial column that the periodic table. The is classified together an alkali metal. Potassium atoms have 19 electrons and 19 protons v one valence electron in the outer shell. Potassium is thought about chemically similar to sodium, the alkali metal over it on the regular table.Characteristics and PropertiesUnder standard conditions potassium is a soft silvery-white metal. The is for this reason soft that it can be easily reduced with a knife. Once cut, the exposed steel tarnishes quickly and also forms a dull oxide coating.Potassium has a an extremely low melting allude such that also a candle can cause it come melt. As soon as it burns, it produces a pale purple colored flame. Potassium likewise has a very low density and also is the second least thick metal after lithium. The is for this reason light the it deserve to float in water.Chemically, potassium is a an extremely active metal. It reaction violently once coming into call with water, producing heat and hydrogen gas. It additionally reacts with countless other elements and substances such as oxygen, acids, sulfur, fluorine, and also nitrogen.


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Where is potassium found on Earth?Because potassium reacts so readily with water, the is not uncovered in that is elemental type in nature. Rather it is discovered in various minerals such as sylvite, carnallite, langbeinite, and kainite. Many minerals that contain potassium are described as potash.Making up about 2.1% of the load of the Earth"s crust, potassium is the eighth most abundant facet in the crust. That can likewise be uncovered in s water whereby it is also about the eighth most abundant element.How is potassium provided today?The largest use of potassium is potassium chloride (KCl) i beg your pardon is offered to do fertilizers. This is since potassium is crucial for plant growth.Industrial applications because that potassium incorporate soaps, detergents, yellow mining, dyes, glass production, gunpowder, and also batteries.Potassium likewise plays a critical role in our bodies. The is used in muscle contraction, fluid and pH balance, bone health, and also helps to prevent kidney stones. That is about the eighth most abundant facet in the human body by weight.How to be it discovered?Potassium was first isolated through English chemist teacher Humphry Davy in 1807. That used electrical power to separate the facet from the salt potash.Where did potassium acquire its name?Potassium it s okay its name from the salt potash native which potassium was very first isolated. The K symbol for the facet comes from the Latin indigenous "kalium", which way potash.IsotopesThere are three isotopes of potassium that happen naturally: K-39, 40, and 41. The majority (93%) of potassium uncovered in nature is K-39.
Interesting Facts around PotassiumPotassium chloride (KCl) is occasionally used together a substitute for table salt. The USDA proposal that adults consume 4.7 grams the potassium each day.A small amount that potassium have the right to taste sweet. A higher concentration have the right to taste bitter or salty.Potassium bicarbonate is the chemical name for baking soda. It is used in fire extinguishers, baking powders, and also antacids.Some good sources that potassium in our diet include bananas, avocados, nuts, chocolate, parsley, and also potatoes.More ~ above the Elements and also the routine TableElementsPeriodic Table
Alkali MetalsLithiumSodiumPotassiumAlkaline planet MetalsBerylliumMagnesiumCalciumRadiumTransition MetalsScandiumTitaniumVanadiumChromiumManganeseIronCobaltNickelCopperZincSilverPlatinumGoldMercuryPost-transition MetalsAluminumGalliumTinLeadMetalloidsBoronSiliconGermaniumArsenicNonmetalsHydrogenCarbonNitrogenOxygenPhosphorusSulfurHalogensFluorineChlorineIodineNoble GasesHeliumNeonArgonLanthanides and also ActinidesUraniumPlutonium
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