Facts about the
Definition of the Element Potassium
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.
Interesting Facts
about the Origin and Meaning of the element name Potassium
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 in
the Atmosphere 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
The element Potassium and the Periodic Table
Find out more facts about Potassium on the Periodic Table which
arranges every chemical element according to its atomic number, as
based on the periodic law, so that chemical elements with similar
properties are in the same column. Our Periodic Table is simple to
use - just click on the symbol for Potassium for additional facts and
info and for an instant comparison of the Atomic Weight, Melting
Point, Boiling Point and Mass - G/cc of Potassium with any other
element. An invaluable source for more interesting facts and
information about the Potassium element and as a Chemistry reference
guide.
Facts and Info about
the element Argon - IUPAC and the Modern Standardised Periodic Table
The Standardised Periodic Table in use today was agreed by the
International Union of Pure Applied Chemistry, IUPAC, in 1985
which includes the Potassium element. The famous Russian Scientist,
Dimitri Mendeleev, perceived the correct classification method of
"the periodic table" for the 65 elements which were known in his
time. Potassium was discovered by Sir Humphrey Davy in 1807. The Standardised Periodic Table now recognises more periods
and elements than Dimitri Mendeleev knew in his day but still all
fitting into his concept of the "Periodic Table" in which
Potassium is
just one element that can be found.
