Potassium
K
How was Potassium discovered?
Potassium became a known element in 1807 in England by Sir Humphry Davy. Before this, there had been no distinction between potassium and sodium. Potassium was isolated from sodium in 1807 by Sir Humphry Davy through the electrolysis of very dry molten abrasive potash. Potassium can be acquired from the minerals sylvite (KCl), carnallite (KCl·MgCl2·6H2O), langbeinite (K2Mg2(SO4)3) and polyhalite (K2Ca2Mg(SO4)4·2H2O), which are often found in ancient sea and lake beds.
What are some uses of Potassium?
Potassium is primarily required in the making of fertilizer. Earlier, Potassium carbonate was created and mixed with animal fat to make soap. Today, Potassium carbonate is commonly used in the making of glass. Detergent and liquid soap can be made using Potassium hydroxide. Also, Potassium chloride is used in pharmaceuticals and saline drips.
What is Potassium like in its natural state?
Potassium is the seventh most abundant metal in the Earth’s crust. The majority of all potassium minerals are found in igneous rocks and are obtained from mines in the form of potassium chloride or sulfate salts. Potassium can be purified from water through a cycle called reverse osmosis. This occurs as water moves across the membrane of a cell from lower concentration to higher concentration.
Potassium - Periodic Table of Videos
Fun Facts!
☆ Pure potassium is a lightweight silvery metal, so soft you can cut it with a knife ☆
☆ Potassium compounds cause a lilac or violet colored flame when burned ☆
☆ Potassium is named after the English word "potash" meaning pot ashes ☆
☆ Potassium is the eighth most common element in the human body ☆
References
- Potassium. (2007, December 8). Retrieved December 18, 2014, from http://periodictable.com/Elements/019/index.html
- Winter, M. (n.d.). Potassium: Historical information. Retrieved December 18, 2014, from http://www.webelements.com/potassium/history.html
- Gagnon, S. (n.d.). The Element Potassium. Retrieved December 18, 2014, from http://education.jlab.org/itselemental/ele019.html
- Potassium. (n.d.). Retrieved December 18, 2014, from http://www.rsc.org/periodic-table/element/19/potassium
- Potassium (K) and water. (n.d.). Retrieved December 18, 2014, from http://www.lenntech.com/periodic/water/potassium/potassium-and-water.htm
- Potassium - Periodic Table of Videos. (2008, October 13). Retrieved December 18, 2014, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPdevJTGAYY
- Potassium Facts. (n.d.). Retrieved December 18, 2014, from http://www.softschools.com/facts/periodic_table/potassium_facts/196/