September
30, 2014
Potassium
By: Autumn Gwinn
INFORMATION
ABOUT POTASSIUM
-Element Symbol: K
-Element Class: Metal
-Group Name: Alkali Metal
-Atomic Number: 19
About Potassium
Potassium is found in the sea, in rocks, and in
plants. The largest amount is found in seawater. Potassium is also found in
many volcanic rocks. Potassium is solid at room temperature. It is an alkali
metal and it is soft enough to be cut with a knife. Potassium is the eight most
abundant element on Earth. About 2.1% is found in Earth’s crust. It
is never free in nature because it is a very reactive element. It is always
combined with other elements.
THE HISTORY OF POTASSIUM
Potassium was first obtained, in 1742, from the
ashes of plants. It was in the form of potassium carbonate, also known as
potash. It was not recognized as an element until 1807. Sir Humphry Davy used
electrolysis on molten caustic potash and obtained the first metallic
potassium.
WHERE TO FIND POTASSIUM
Potassium can now be obtained from the minerals
sylvite, carnalite, langbeinite, and polyhalite. These minerals are found in ancient lakes and sea
beds. Caustic potash, another potassium source, is mostly mined in Utah, California,
New Mexico, and Germany.
VITALITY
Potassium is essential to all life. In humans, it is
used inside cells and it makes sure that the acid levels and fluid pressures
remain normal. Potassium is mainly used in the nerves and muscles. The kidneys
control the amount of potassium in the body. If the kidneys don’t maintain a
certain level of potassium, then heart problems can occur. Potassium is found
in all foods, so the human body has no problem getting its potassium needs. One
food in particular that is high in potassium is bananas. Potassium is also
vital to plant growth. Potassium helps with movement of water, nutrients, and carbohydrates
in plant tissue. Potassium in plants stimulate early growth, increase protein
production, improve the efficiency of water use, increases stand persistence, increases
longevity and improves resistance to diseases and insects.
REACTIONS
Potassium reacts with water and forms potassium hydroxide,
hydrogen gas, and heat. It reacts with oxygen and forms potassium superoxide.
Since metallic potassium is highly reactive, especially with oxygen, samples
are stored submerged in mineral oil.
USES
Potassium forms a lot of important compounds. Some
common compounds are potassium chloride, potassium hydroxide, potassium
carbonate, potassium superoxide, and potassium nitrate. Potassium chloride is
used in fertilizers, as salt substitutes, and to produce other chemicals.
Potassium hydroxide is used to make soaps, detergents, and drain cleaners.
Potassium carbonate, also known as pearl ash, is used to produce certain types
of glass and soaps. It is obtained commercially as a byproduct of the production
of ammonia. Potassium superoxide can create oxygen from water vapor and carbon
dioxide. It is used in respiratory equipment. Potassium nitrate, also known as
saltpeter or nitre, is used in match heads and pyrotechnics. Potassium forms an
alloy with sodium that is used in nuclear reactors. Potassium is also used in gunpowder
to give fireworks a dramatic explosion. Potassium is a very common occurrence in
our everyday lives.
