Potassium
The History of Potassium
In 1807, Sir Humphrey Davy discovered potassium through the electrolysis of molten potash using the first battery. Electrolysis is when a current starts a chemical reaction. It is used very commonly in the separation of elements.
Properties of Potassium
Potassium is a soft metal. It is silvery-white in color and is a member of the alkali metals. Potassium oxidizes very quickly and the surface will change from a silvery reflective color into a white dulled color when cut or exposed to air.
The Uses of Potassium
Potassium is a very diverse element and is used in many different things. It can be found in fertilizers, soaps and detergents. You have also probably heard of potassium being important in your body. It is an important mineral for every cell in the body. Potassium is an electrolyte which is a substance that conducts electricity. Potassium is most popularly known to be found in bananas, but it can also be found in meats, fish, other fruits, and vegetables.
3 Compounds Containing Potassium
Potassium chloride, KCl, is the most common compound and it is used in fertilizers. Potassium hydroxide, KOH, is used to make soaps, detergents, and drain cleaners.
Potassium carbonate, KHCO3, which is also known as pearl ash, is used to make types of glass and some soaps.
Atomic Number & Atomic Mass
The atomic number of potassium is 19. The atomic mass is 39.098 amu.
Particles Inside Potassium Atoms
There are 19 protons, 19 electrons, and 20 neutrons.
Potassium Isotopes
There are three naturally occurring isotopes.
- K-39
- K-40
- K-41
Model of an Atom of Potassium
Potassium atoms have one valence electron in their outer shell.
Lewis Dot Diagram of Potassium
Potassium is a Part of the Alkali Metals
Some similarities between all of these elements are:
- they are all soft metals
- they heavily react with water
- low densities
- low melting points
- low boiling points
Reactions With Potassium
Potassium reacts with oxygen. K(s) + O2(g) → KO2(s) This is a synthesis reaction. The mole ratio is 1 moles K : 2 moles O
Potassium Metal
Bonding
The compound KOH, potassium hydroxide, is an ionic bonded compound.
The percent composition is K - 70% O - 29% H - 1%
Acrostic Poem
P otash Was Put Through Electrolysis
O ften Found In Bananas
T wenty Neutrons
A lkali Metals Has Potassium
S ir Humphrey Davy Discovered in 1807
S ome Soap Contains Potassium
I onic Compounds Form With Potassium
U nderneath Sodium
M ass Number is 39
Resources
- "Sir Humphry Davy (1778 - 1829)." BBC History. BBC, n.d. Web. 5 May 2016. <http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/davy_humphrey.shtml>
- "Water Treatment Solutions." Potassium (K). N.p., n.d. Web. 05 May 2016. <http://www.lenntech.com/periodic/elements/k.htm>
- "Potassium." University of Maryland Medical Center. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 May 2016. <http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/supplement/potassium>
- "#19 - Potassium - K." #19 - Potassium - K. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 May 2016. <https://www.hobart.k12.in.us/ksms/PeriodicTable/potassium.htm>
- "Groups in the Periodic Table." BBC Bitesize. BBC, n.d. Web. 5 May 2016. <http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/science/edexcel_pre_2011/patterns/groupsrev1.shtml>
- "Chemical Elements.com - Potassium (K)." Chemical Elements.com - Potassium (K). N.p., n.d. Web. 05 May 2016. <http://www.chemicalelements.com/elements/k.html>