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.