Potassium
Symbol - K
Details:
Name: Potassium
Symbol: K
Atomic Number: 19
Number of Protons/Electrons: 19
Number of Neutrons: 20
Description:Potassium is a metal and is the seventh most abundant and makes up about 1.5 % by weight of the earth's crust. Potassium is an essential constituent for plant growth and it is found in most soils. It is also a vital element in the human diet.
Where is Potassium found in Nature?
Potassium Rich Foods!
Baked Potatoes (With Skin)
Potassium 100gAverage Potato (173g)
535mg (15% DV)926mg (26% DV)
Bananas
Potassium 100gAverage Banana(118g)1 Cup Mashed (225)
358mg (10% DV)422mg (12% DV)806mg (23% DV)
Avocados
Potassium 100gAverage Avocado (201g)1/2 Cup Pureed (115)
485mg (14% DV)975mg (28% DV)558mg (16% DV)
History!
Origin of name: from the English word "potash" (pot ashes) and the Arabic word "qali" meaning alkali (the origin of the symbol K comes from the Latin word "kalium").
Uses: *It is primarily used in fertilizers as either the chloride, sulfate or carbonate - not as the oxide.
* Potassium hydroxide is an important industrial chemical used as a strong base.
* Potassium nitrate is used in gunpowder (black powder). An older term for KNO3 is saltpeter.* Potassium carbonate, known as potash, is used in glass manufacturing.
* Glass treated with liquid potassium is much stronger than regular glass.