POTASSIUM
Devan Porter, Block 1
Introduction
Potassium is a soft, silvery-white metal with a melting point of 145 degrees F and a boiling point of 1,420 degrees F. Its density is .862 g/cm^3, and it has the ability to float on water. Chemical properties are: it is very reative with all acids and nonmetals such as Sulfer, Chlorine, Fluorine, Phosphorus, and Nitrogen. Potassium is very reactive with H2O. Potassium is located in the alkali metal column on the periodic table. It's never free in nature, and always occurs in compounds combined with other elements. Potassium is the eighth most abundant element in Earth's crust. The most common form of Potassium is Potassium Chloride, also the most important. It is used as a heat exchange medium, in nuclear power plants, as a fertilizer, and in the human digestive system. There are three naturally occurring isotopes of Potassium: Potassium-39, Potassium-40, and Potassium-41.
Graphite
Traces of Potassium have been found in graphite
Bananas
Traces of Potassium are also found in bananas.
Fertilizer
potassium is used as fertilizer in nuclear power plants.
Potassium: Why Is It Any Interest to Me?
Why should Potassium be of any interest to you? Here's a couple reasons why!
- Potassium is important for the functioning of the human body
- it also helps the nerves and muscles do their jobs and can lower blood pressure.
- without Potassium, your body would not be able to function properly. A lot of food has Potassium, such as bananas and other good fruits.
Check out Potassium in labs near you!