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Table of Contents
Potassium has the chemical symbol K and the atomic number 19. It is an alkali metal and is solid at ambient temperature. Potassium can be found naturally in many foods and as a supplement. Its counterpart, sodium, maintains normal fluid levels outside of cells. Potassium also aids muscular contraction and maintains appropriate blood pressure.
See the fact file below for more information on Potassium, or you can download our 29-page Potassium worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.
Key Facts & Information
DISCOVERY
- Because it is found in caustic potash, the term originates from the English “potash” or “pot ashes” (KOH).
- The letter K is derived from the Latin word “kalium,” which derives from the Arabic phrase “qali,” which means alkali.
- Humphry Davy, a British chemist, isolated it for the first time in 1807 from potash electrolysis (KOH).
- Although potassium is the eighth most plentiful element on the planet, accounting for around 2.1% of the earth’s crust, it is a highly reactive element that is never found free.
- Sir Humphry Davy obtained metallic potassium in 1807 by electrolysis of molten caustic potash (KOH). Davy used the same process to separate sodium a few months after finding potassium.
- Potassium is found in the minerals sylvite (KCl), carnallite (KCl·MgCl2·6H2O), langbeinite (K2Mg2(SO4)3), and polyhalite (K2Ca2Mg(SO4)4·2H2O)).
- These minerals are frequently discovered in ancient lake and sea bed sediments. Caustic potash, another key potassium source, is mined mainly in Germany, New Mexico, California, and Utah.
CHEMISTRY
- Potassium (K) is found in Group 1 and Period 4 of the periodic table. It has the atomic number 19 and is an alkali metal. Potassium’s electron configuration is [Ar] 4s1.
- Like other alkali metals, it contains a single valence electron that is easily removed, resulting in the formation of a cation. Potassium salts are formed when the cationic form of potassium mixes with various anions.
- Potassium, like other alkali metals, is highly reactive. It may aggressively react with water to generate hydrogen (H2) gas.
- The extreme heat produced by this reaction, along with the H2 as a result, has the potential to be explosive. Potassium may also generate oxide layers when it reacts with air.
- When potassium is burnt in the air, it can produce the orange potassium superoxide KO2.
- Potassium may also produce potassium halides through fast reactions with all halogens (F2, Cl2, I2) (KF, KCl, KBr).
- The most significant potassium component is potassium chloride (KCl). This chemical is most commonly found in artificial fertilizers. It has no odor, a white/colorless crystal appearance, and dissolves easily in water.
- Other potassium compounds of commercial significance include:
- K2SO4: Potassium sulfate is a white, rigid crystal. It is non-flammable and water-soluble but not alcohol-soluble. It also acts as a fertilizer, promoting plant growth.
- KHCO3: Potassium bicarbonate can be used as a baking powder, antacid (for upset stomach), and soft drink ingredient.
- KHSO3: Potassium bisulfite is used in food preservation, textile bleaching, and leather tanning. Potassium bisulfite is a chemical compound having the chemical formula KHSO3. It is not an actual chemical but a salt combination that produces solutions containing potassium ions and bisulfite.
- KBr: Potassium bromate is a chemical used in engraving and as a bread additive. It is a white crystal that dissolves in water. Potassium bromide tastes pleasant in a weak aqueous solution. It could taste better in larger quantities.
- K2SiF6: Potassium fluorosilicate is a glass and ceramic material.
- KOH: Potassium hydroxide, often known as caustic potash, has a wide range of industrial uses, including paint removal and the production of specialty soaps, fuel cells, and batteries. It also acts as a source of OH-, a highly nucleophilic anion that targets polar bonds in organic compounds like NaOH.
- KNO3: Potassium nitrate is found in explosives, pyrotechnics, matches, and rocket fuel.
APPEARANCE AND CHARACTERISTICS
Characteristics
- Potassium is the fourth element in the periodic table’s first column. It is considered an alkali metal.
- The outer shell of a potassium atom contains one valence electron and 19 electrons. Potassium is chemically comparable to sodium, the alkali metal on the periodic table above it.
- Potassium is a soft silvery-white metal under normal circumstances. It’s so soft that you can cut it with a knife. When exposed metal is damaged, it tarnishes fast and creates a dull oxide layer.
- Potassium has such a low melting point that even a candle may melt. It generates a faint purple flame when it burns. Potassium is also the second least dense metal after lithium in terms of density. It is light enough to float on water.
- Potassium is a highly active metal in chemistry. When it comes into contact with water, it reacts aggressively, emitting heat and hydrogen gas. It interacts with other elements and chemicals, including oxygen, acids, sulfur, fluorine, and nitrogen.
Harmful Effects
- A potassium intake from meals does not appear to offer an elevated danger in healthy adults with adequate renal function because excess potassium is easily eliminated in the urine.
- Potassium consumption should be kept below 4.7 g (120 mmol) per day in patients with poor urine excretion of potassium due to severe cardiac effects.
- It can halt the heart by bypassing the digestive system and injecting potassium salts into a vein.
- We must handle elemental potassium with considerable caution due to its highly reactive nature.
USES
- The majority of potassium (95%) is used in fertilizers, with the remainder mainly used to produce potassium hydroxide (KOH) by electrolysis of potassium chloride solution and conversion to potassium carbonate (K2CO3).
- Potassium carbonate is used in the production of glass, mainly the glass used in televisions, whereas potassium hydroxide is utilized in producing liquid soaps and detergents.
- A small amount of potassium chloride is used in medications, medical drips, and saline injections.
- Potassium is also essential in our bodies. It is used to aid in muscular contraction, fluid and pH balance, bone health, and the prevention of kidney stones. It is the ninth most prevalent element in the human body concerning weight.
- The central explosive element in gunpowder is potassium nitrate.
- Other potassium salts are used in baking, photography, leather tanning, and the production of iodized salts. The key to their usage in all circumstances is the negative anion, not the potassium.
FUN FACTS
- Potassium chloride (KCl) is occasionally used in place of table salt.
- According to the USDA, adults should ingest 4.7 grams of potassium daily.
- Potassium in small amounts can taste sweet. A greater concentration might have a harsh or salty flavor.
- Baking soda’s chemical name is potassium bicarbonate. It’s found in fire extinguishers, baking powders, and antacids.
- Bananas, avocados, almonds, chocolate, parsley, and potatoes are all rich sources of potassium in our diet.
- Plants require potassium to thrive; almost 90% of all potassium compounds used by humans are used to make plant fertilizers.
- Hypokalemia can occur in people whose diets are deficient in potassium. Severe hypokalemia is potentially fatal.
- An erratic heartbeat, weariness, muscular cramps, and constipation are all symptoms.
- It is rare for people to be potassium deficient primarily due to a lack of potassium in their meals. Hypokalemia is typically caused by additional conditions such as diarrhea, vomiting, antibiotic usage, and renal failure.
- After lithium, potassium is the metal with the lowest density.
- Potassium was the first metal to be separated by electrolysis.
- Soaps can be made when fats react with potassium hydroxide.
- Potassium has three major isotopes, one of which, 40K, is radioactive. The most prevalent radioisotope in the human body is 40K, which may be found in all potassium.
- Potassium ions are required for cell function. Potassium shortage and excess can both result in severe symptoms.
ABUNDANCE AND ISOTOPES
- Potassium is not a free element because it is highly reactive, generating compounds that are difficult to separate. Potassium is isolated commercially by electrolysis of potassium hydroxide or potassium chloride.
- Potassium has 20 isotopes with known half-lives, ranging in mass from 35 to 54. Naturally occurring potassium is a blend of three isotopes, which are present in the following percentages: 39K (93.6%), 40K (0.01%), and 41K (6.7%).
Potassium Worksheets
This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about Potassium across 29 in-depth pages. These ready-to-use worksheets are perfect for teaching kids about Potassium, a silvery-white metal that is soft and can be cut with a knife and an essential element for human health and is commonly found in many foods.
Complete List of Included Worksheets
Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.
- Potassium Facts
- I’m Wondering If…
- K Source
- K-ompounds
- Guess the Gibberish
- Element Profile
- Potassium Deficiency
- Potassium Intake
- The Element Game
- A Pun Meme
- Prevalent Element
Frequently Asked Questions About Potassium
What is potassium?
Potassium is a mineral and an electrolyte found in most foods we eat, mainly fruits and vegetables. It helps regulate fluids and mineral balance in the body and is important for maintaining normal heart rhythm, muscle contractions, and digestion.
How much potassium do I need?
The dietary reference intake for adults aged 19 to 50 is 4,700 mg daily. For individuals over 51, the recommendation is 3,500 mg per day.
What are the benefits of having more potassium in my diet?
Potassium can help reduce blood pressure and stroke risk by promoting healthy arteries. Increased potassium levels may also minimize the risk of kidney stones by promoting healthy kidney function and lowering your risk of developing osteoporosis by improving bone density. Potassium can also help prevent muscle cramps and fatigue while exercising.
What foods are high in potassium?
Fruits such as bananas, oranges, grapefruits, and peaches are all high in potassium. Vegetables such as tomatoes, sweet potatoes, spinach, and broccoli are also excellent mineral sources. Other foods that contain reasonable amounts of potassium include dairy products like yoghurt or milk; nuts such as almonds or cashews; beans like lima beans or black beans; fish such as tuna or salmon; seeds like sunflower seeds; grains such as quinoa or oats; and even dark chocolate!
Are there any risks associated with too much potassium consumption?
Excessive consumption of potassium from supplements has been linked to an increased risk of hyperkalemia (high levels of potassium) which can lead to heart problems, including irregular heartbeat rhythms called arrhythmias or even cardiac arrest. Therefore it is important not to exceed recommended dietary allowance for adults over 21 years old—no more than 4,700mg per day—and always consult a healthcare professional before taking any supplement containing high levels of this mineral.
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