Potassium | Name | Potassium | | Symbol | K | | Atomic Number | 19 | | Atomic Mass | 39.0983 atomic mass units | | Number of Protons | 19 | | Number of Neutrons | 20 | | Number of Electrons | 19 | | Melting Point | 63.65° C | | Boiling Point | 774.0° C | | Density | .862 grams per cubic centimeter | | Normal Phase | Solid | | Family | Alkali Metals | | Period | 4 | | Origin of Name | From the English word potash, meaning pot ashes, and the Arabic word qali, meaning alkali. The symbol K comes from the Latin word kalium, meaning alkali. | | Date and Place of Discovery | In 1807 in London, England | | Discovered by | Sir Humphry Davy | | Common Compounds | - Potassium Chloride (KCl)
- Potassium Fluoride (PF)
- Potassium Iodide (KI)
| | Interesting facts | - It was the first metal to be isolated using electrolysis.
- It catches fire when exposed to water.
- It burns with a violet flame.
- It is found in all living plant and animal cells.
- The human body uses it to promote regular heartbeat, help build muscles, help contract muscles, regulate blood pressure, and control the water balance in body tissues and cells.
- A diet low in potassium and high in sodium can lead to high blood pressure.
| | Common Uses | - Soaps
- Glassware
- Matches
- Explosives
- Heat-transfer systems
- Helps human metabolism
- Medications
| Photo Courtesy of About.com About: Chemistry Chemical Elements CNN Interactive Fairfield Public Schools Web Elements Wikipedia | | Potassium Atomic Structure | Elements by Name | Elements by Number | Home | |
