Potassium - Definition, Symbol, Structure, Properties, Uses, FAQs

In this article we will discuss everything about potassium, potassium element, atomic mass of potassium, potassium symbol, potassium atomic number, uses of potassium, K element, mass number of potassium, atomic weight of potassium, potassium periodic table, potassium group number, potassium electrons, k element name, potassium chemical, potassium name and electronic structure of potassium.

What is potassium?

Metallic potassium was first isolated in 1807 by Sir Humphry Davy. He obtained a potassium element through the electrolysis of molten caustic potash (KOH) using a voltaic battery. The name potassium is derived from potash. It is the lightest known metal with lithium as its predecessor. It is soft enough to be easily cut with a knife. It is silvery-white in appearance and rapidly oxidizes in air. Potassium element is the 8^th most abundant element on earth. About 2.1% of Potassium element is present in earth's crust.

It is a very reactive element and is never found free in nature because it reacts very rapidly with oxygen present in the atmosphere to form potassium peroxide within seconds of exposure. Thus, potassium element must be preserved in a mineral oil like kerosene. Salty bodies of water are rich in potassium and the estimated potassium content of the Dead Sea is approximately 1.7 %. Potassium that is part of earth crust is present in igneous rocks and minerals that are insoluble in water. This is why obtaining potassium is difficult.

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What is the symbol of potassium?

The symbol for potassium is K which is derived from its neo-Latin name kalium. Potassium K group number is 1 or IA and period number is 4^th on the periodic table. Potassium K element is part of the alkali metal group which consist of lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, caesium, and francium.

What is the atomic number of potassium?

The atomic number of potassium K is 19. This is due to the presence of nineteen potassium electrons in different orbits of atoms of k element. The atomic structure of potassium is given below:

Potassium K atomic number is due to the presence of two electrons in K shell, eight electrons in L and M shell and one electron in N shell. The last electron is easily lost from the potassium atom to form potassium ion K⁺ which leads to decrease in atomic no of K potassium. The atomic number of K ⁺ is 18. The electronic structure of potassium can be represented as 1s²2s²2p⁶3s²3p⁶4s¹ or [Ar]4s¹.

What is the mass of potassium?

The atomic mass of K is 39.0983 u. The atomic weight of potassium is the same a mass number of potassium; 39.0983 u. The value of potassium mass and atomic no of potassium with chemical symbol of potassium is written as:

Where, 39.10 is K atomic mass or atomic weight of k and 19 is atomic number of potassium.

What are the uses of potassium?

Most of the manufactured potassium is used in fertilizers, a potassium compound potassium chloride KCl is used as a salt substitute in fertilizers and to produce other important chemicals.

Another important potassium compound is potassium hydroxide which is used in manufacturing of soaps, liquid cleaners and detergents.

Potassium carbonate is also a widely used compound used for manufacturing of glass and commonly known as pearl ash.

Other salts of potassium are used in tanning leather, baking, in ionized salt and in photography. Potassium is a macronutrient that helps in plant growth and constitutes most soils. Sodium combines with potassium to form an alloy which is used as a heat transfer medium.

There is a balance between the K⁺ and Na⁺ concentrations inside and outside the cells in our bodies. Potassium-sodium pump is also an essential part of cell metabolism. Potassium ions are transported across the biological membranes through proteins known as potassium channels.

Disease caused due to deficiency of potassium: Hypokalemia is caused due to low levels of potassium in blood. Potassium helps in the functioning of cells and acts as an electrolyte for nerve cells as well. It is also essential for muscle cell functioning. Kidneys control potassium levels in our body and help in excretion of excess potassium through urine or sweat.

Potassium comes with many health benefits, it may:

• Reduce water retention

• Help prevent kidney stones

• Help protect against strokes

• Help reduce blood pressure

• Help prevent osteoporosis

Potassium is rich in a lot of whole foods, fruits, vegetables and fish. Fruits like Bananas, oranges, cantaloupe, honeydew, apricots, and grapefruit are also rich in potassium. Some cooked vegetables like cooked spinach, broccoli potatoes sweet, potatoes, mushrooms, peas, cucumbers, zucchini, pumpkins, and leafy greens are abundant in potassium. Some dry fruits like prunes, raisins and dates are also high in potassium.

Also, students can refer,

• NCERT solutions for Class 12 Chemistry Chapter 10 The S-Block Elements
• NCERT Exemplar Class 12 Chemistry Solutions Chapter 10 The S-Block Elements
• NCERT notes Class 12 Chemistry Chapter 10 The S-Block Elements

Properties of potassium

Physical and chemical properties of potassium are given as:

Physical properties of potassium

Potassium melting point is very low with a value 63.65oC. The boiling point of potassium is 773.9oC.Potassium is silvery-white in appearance. Potassium is a very soft solid. It can easily be cut with a knife.

Chemical properties of potassium

Potassium vigorously reacts with atmospheric oxygen to form potassium peroxide. Potassium reacts vigorously with water in a violent exothermic reaction to form potassium hydroxide. Atomic radius of potassium is 227pm and ionization enthalpy is 418.8kJ/mol. Electronegativity of potassium is 0.8.

Also check-

• NCERT Exemplar Class 11th Chemistry Solutions
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NCERT Chemistry Notes:

• NCERT Notes Class 11th Chemistry
• NCERT Notes Class 12th Chemistry
• NCERT Notes For All Subjects