Potassium

Potassium Potassium, also known by the symbol “K”, has an atomic number of 19 and an atomic mass of 39.0983. The atomic number of 19 implies that it contains 19 protons, 19 electrons, and 19 neutrons. It is found in Group 1, the alkali metals, and the fourth family on the periodic table. Because it is located in group one, it is one of the most highly reactive and electropositive metals and is a base. Potassium is a solid, silvery white metal at 298 Kelvin, and has a melting point of 336.53 Kelvin; the boiling point is 1032 Kelvin. Its typical density is 856 kg m3-, making it the second least dense metal. Potassium can be found in nature, but not alone. It is found in numerous compounds and is too reactive to be alone. When mixing water and potassium together, a fire is ignited as a result of the chemical reaction. Potassium makes up 1.5% - 2.1% of the Earth’s crust weight. In the crystal structure of potassium, the closest K-K separation is 461 nm and the metallic radius spans 231 nm. Potassium has three major isotopes. One out of the three is radioactive and is called K-40. K-39 and K-41 are the other two isotopes of potassium, which are stable. Prior to the 18th century, people used potassium without realizing it. The main two uses were for soap and potash, which is a potassium compound formed by burning wood. Also during this time, people did not pick up on any distinctions between potassium and sodium, deeming them as the same element. In 1807, Sir Humphrey Davy discovered a difference in the two, therefore finding potassium. Thanks to this discovery, we now use potassium for a variety of things, such as liquid detergents, low-sodium salt, oxidizing agents, fireworks, fertilizers, heat- transfer medium, and many more.
Works Cited
“Bases- pH Values.” TheEngineeringToolBox. n.d. Web. 5 Nov. 2013.
“Potassium.” ChemisrtyExplained. Advameg Inc. n.d. Web. 5 Nov. 2013.
Winter, Mark. “Potassium: The Essentials.” WebElements. Web Elements Ltd. n.d. Web. 5

Cited: “Bases- pH Values.” TheEngineeringToolBox. n.d. Web. 5 Nov. 2013. “Potassium.” ChemisrtyExplained. Advameg Inc. n.d. Web. 5 Nov. 2013. Winter, Mark. “Potassium: The Essentials.” WebElements. Web Elements Ltd. n.d. Web. 5 Nov. 2013.