Potassium

Atomic Structure

* The nucleus consists of 19 protons and 21 neutrons.

* It is also bounded by 19 electrons with a single unstable electron that occupies
the outer ring.
* Potassium has an atomic number of 19 and an atomic mass of 39.098 a.m.u.
* Its standard atomic notation would be written with the symbol “K” in the center,
while its atomic mass would be at the top left corner and the atomic number would
be at the bottom left corner.

Physical properties
- Potassium metal is a soft, odourless, white solid with a silvery lustre and is a
good conductor of electricity and heat.
- It has a density of 0.862 grams per cubic centimetre less than water (1.00 grams
per cubic centimetre.) So, this means that it can float on the surface of water.
- It has a low melting point of 63.28℃ (145℉) and a boiling point of 770℃
(1,450℉).

Chemical Properties
* Potassium is a reactive and flammable chemical. It is also an explosion and fire
hazard.
* It is also highly corrosive to the mucous membranes, eyes and skin.
* When exposed to water, it explodes with a pale lilac colour to form a
colourless mixture of hydrogen (H₂) and potassium hydroxide (KOH).
* If exposed to fire or heated at 500℃, it decomposes and provides pure potassium
oxide and oxygen.
* When it is exposed to oxygen, it begins to tarnish quickly, due to the reaction
of oxygen and moisture. It also tends to ignite in moist air easily and produce
potassium peroxide.
* Whenever potassium comes in contact with acids like hydrochloric or concentrated
sulfuric acids, salt-like substances known as potassium chloride and potassium
sulphate are produced.

History Of Potassium
* Potassium was discovered by a famous Cornish inventor and chemist known as Sir
Humphry Davy ( 17 December 1778 - 29 May 1829).
* It was discovered by the Cornish chemist and inventor in 1807.
* The term “potassium” comes from the English word “pot ash”, which was used to
isolate potassium salts. Then, its element symbol known as “K” was from kalium
which comes from the word “alkali” or Arabic al-qalyah.
* It was obtained through isolation using electricity.

Uses Of Potassium
* The most largest and commonly used potassium compound would be potassium
chloride (KCI). It could be used to produce salt substitutes, fertilizers and other
chemicals.
* Potassium hydroxide (KOH) is another commonly used compound that is used to
make detergents, drain cleaners and soaps.
* It could be used for gold mining. It could also be used to produce glass,
dyes, batteries and gunpowder.

Environmental Factors Of Potassium

* Potassium is important for the absorption and reservation of water in crop
soil.
* It is very important for the soil’s health because it helps regulate the water
in plants.
* It also helps with the plant’s growth. This is because it affects the water
taken through the roots and improves drought resistance.
* It is also vital for animal nutrition because young animals tend to fail in
growth and pass away early due to the lack of potassium (K) in their diet.
* High levels of potassium could damage the germination of seedlings and reduce
the quality of the crops.
* Low levels of potassium could also affect the plant’s growth, root development
and seed/fruit development.

Pictures
Facts
* Potassium is known as the seventh most abundant element in the human body.
* It was the first element to be discovered by electrolysis.
* The largest industrial use of potassium is for fertilizer