Friday, October 4, 2013

Potassium ( Alkali Metal )


  •  Potassium was discovered by Humphry Davy in 1807. 
  • It is derived from caustic potash ( KOH potassium hydroxide ). In Latin Kalium.
  • The metal must be stored in mineral oil, such as kerosene as it oxidizes rapidly in air and catches fire spontaneously when exposed to water.
  • Potassium ions are necessary for the function of all living cells.
  • Soft silvery white alkali metal and very reactive in water.
  • Sylvite, langbernite, carnalite and polyhalite from extensive deposits in ancient lake and sea beds from which potassium can be obtained.
Symbol                                 - K
Atomic number                    -  19
Number of electrons           -  2, 8, 8, 1
Electronic configuration   - [ Argon ] 4s1
Melting point                      - 336.53 K 
Boiling point                      -  1032 K
Atomic weight                     - 39.098

Atomic Structure:

Uses: 
  • Potassium is a mineral that plays many critical roles in the body.
  • Potassium is used for treating and preventing low potassium levels.
  • Potassium is in high demand as a fertilizer.
  • Metallic potassium is used in several types of magnetometers.
  • Potassium also used in food preservative, bleach textile and straw and in tanning of leathers.
  • Potassium salts have many commercial uses.

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