Potassium (K) is considered a chemical element part of the alkali metals, and is part of group 1 (IA) of the periodic table along with sodium, lithium, rubidium, cesium and francium. Due to this characteristic, potassium is one of the most active chemical elements in nature and forms a lot of chemical compounds.
| Symbol | K |
| Atomic number | 19 |
| Atomic mass | 39.0983 da |
| Discovered by | Humphry Davy in 1807 |
Importance of potassium
The importance of potassium lies in the fact that it is an element that forms several chemical compounds that is very important for different industries, for example, it can be used in nuclear power plants for heat exchange.
It is a basic component in the manufacture of fertilizers, it is also an essential part of the human body. In addition, potassium chloride is applied and injections and the compound potash from which it is extracted is joined to make soap and glass. Learn more about the uses of potassium by following this link.
Occurrence and abundance
Potassium is actually the eighth most abundant chemical element in the earth’s crust, yet it almost never occurs natively because it is a fairly reactive element.
Therefore, it is almost always found as chemical compounds and in nature it is found forming various potassium minerals such as: sylvite, carnallite, orthoclase, Muscovite, potassium feldspars and can also be the main component of igneous rocks such as granite and rhyolite.
Properties and characteristics of potassium
| Potassium properties | Description |
|---|---|
| atomic number | 19 |
| atomic weight | 39,098 |
| melting point | 63.28 °C (145.90 °F) |
| Boiling point | 760°C (1400°F) |
| specific gravity | 0.862 (at 20°C or 68°F) |
| oxidation states | +1, −1 (rare) |
| electronic configuration | 2-8-8-1 or 1s22s22p63s23p64s1 |
Physical properties
| Symbol | k |
| Atomic number | 19 |
| Atomic weight | 39.0983 (1) |
| standard state | solid at 298K |
| CAS registry | 7440-09-7 |
| Color | silver white |
| Classification | Metal |
| Melting point | 312.46 K (39.31 °C or 102.76 °F) |
| Boiling point | 961 K (688 °C or 1270 °F) |
| Density | 1.53g/cm3 |
| Number of stable isotopes | two |
| ionization energy | 4.341 eV |
| Oxidation state | +1 |
Potassium is a metal with a silvery hue, its texture is crystalline and it has no characteristic odor.
At normal atmospheric temperature and pressure it is in a solid state and has a density equal to 856 kg/m3.
It reaches its melting point at a temperature of 63°C and its boiling point is from 759°C.
Chemical properties
| Cluster | 1 |
| Period | 4 |
| Block | yes |
| Atomic number | 19 |
| State at 20 ° C | Solid |
| Electronic configuration | [Ar] 4 s1 |
| Melting point | 63.5°C, 146.3°F, 336.7K |
| Boiling point | 759°C, 1398°F, 1032K |
| Density (g cm−3) | 0.89 |
| relative atomic mass | 39,098 |
| key isotopes | 39K |
| CAS number | 7440-09-7 |
Potassium is chemically very similar to sodium, in addition to having a high reactivity that manifests itself in its rapid oxidation when it comes into contact with air.
At the atomic level, it is made up of 19 protons and electrons, plus 20 neutrons.
It is alkaline and monovalent, in addition to having two oxidation states that are -1 and +1.
Potassium has a violent reaction when in contact with water, as it releases heat, hydrogen and hydroxide. This type of reaction is dangerous because it is a spontaneous combustion.
Where it comes from and how it is extracted
The main deposits are distributed in Canada, the United States, Belarus, Germany, Russia and Kazakhstan, having the largest deposit worldwide in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan.
Potassium is obtained through the mining activities in underground deposits.
while they exist three methods of obtaining, the first consists of melting the mineral to pass it through hot iron to cause the pure particles to detach from the other components.
The second process is based on heating a mixture of carbon and potassium carbonate to red hot.
While the third and most used method is through the electrolysis of the chemical compound potassium hydroxide.
In what part of the planet does it abound?
Potassium constitutes 2.59% of the earth’s crust, being the seventh element with the greatest presence.
Potassium is found in various minerals, such as carnallite, orthoclase, polhalite, langbeinite, and sylvin. The oceans and seas also contain potassium, but the methods of obtaining it are expensive and complicated.
Functions in the human body
Potassium is necessary in the human body as it helps the functioning of the nervous and muscular systems, also allows the heart rate to remain constant.
potassium helps nutrients to flow into cells and waste to be expelled.
This mineral also helps to reduce the damaging effects of sodium on blood pressure.
Potassium is found in spinach, kale, carrots, potatoes, oranges, and grapefruit
Benefits in technology
At a scientific and industrial level, the alloy from sodium is an agent for heat transfer in reactive processes.
While potassium hydroxide is used in scientific laboratories to neutralize acids and in the generation of potassium salts.
Likewise, potassium super oxide is used to supply oxygen as life support for activities carried out in the underground mines, in submarines and in aerospace vehicles.
Pure potassium is used in the production of photoelectric cells.
Benefits in men
The role of potassium will always be framed in its function in the organism, since it is essential for human life.
Similarly, this element has a determining role in food production, since it intervenes in the process of nutrient uptake of plants.
Production of fertilizers
almost the 100% chemical production of potassium It is for the manufacture of fertilizers for agriculture, horticulture and hydroponic cultivation.
Potassium ions have an important participation in the nutrition of plants, being determinant for their growth.
Fertilizers contain potassium chloride, potassium nitrate, and potassium sulfate.
Potassium Chloride
This chemical compound is widely produced and widely used for agri-food activities.
It is also a medicine used in the treatment of hypokalemia, which is the absence of potassium in the body. Also It is used in executions by lethal injection to paralyze the heart.
Food industry
Rochelle salt is an organic compound based on potassium and sodium, which is the main component for baking powder.
Potassium bisulfate is a widely used food preservative, even used in beer and wine.