Interesting Facts about POTASSIUM ***

Facts about Potassium

Facts About

The Element Potassium is defined as...
A soft, silver-white, highly or explosively reactive metallic element that occurs in nature only in compounds. It is obtained by electrolysis of its common hydroxide and found in, or converted to, a wide variety of salts used especially in fertilizers and soaps. A Potassium Reaction involves a process in which Potassium is mixed with another substance which react to form something else.

What are the origins of the word Potassium ?
The name originates from Potash and it's symbol - K - comes from the Latin word Kalium.

Facts about the Classification of the Element Potassium
Potassium is classified as an "Alkali Metal" and located in Group 1 elements of the Periodic Table. An Element classified as an Alkali Metal is a very reactive metal that does not occur freely in nature. Alkali metals are soft, malleable, ductile, and are good conductors of heat and electricity.

Brief Facts about the Discovery and History of the Element Potassium
Potassium was discovered by Sir Humphrey Davy in 1807. This alkali metal was the first metal that was isolated by electrolysis.

Occurrence of the element Potassium
Makes up about 2.4% of the weight of the Earth's crust
Seventh most abundant element
Found in ancient lakes and seas
Mined in USA, Germany & New Mexico
Density less than that of water
Rapidly oxidises in air

Common Uses of Potassium
Glass
Soap
Substitute for table salt
Medical
Fertilizers
Gunpowder
Potassium nitrate, chloride & permanganate

The Properties of the Element Potassium
Name of Element : Potassium
Symbol of Element : K
Atomic Number of Potassium : 19
Atomic Mass: 39.0983 amu
Melting Point: 63.65 °C - 336.8 °K
Boiling Point: 774.0 °C - 1047.15 °K
Number of Protons/Electrons in Potassium : 19
Number of Neutrons in Potassium : 20
Crystal Structure: Cubic
Density @ 293 K: 0.862 g/cm3
Color of Potassium : Silver-white