2H 2 O), and langbeinite (K 2 Mg 2 3 ) which are found in ancient lake beds and sea beds are electrolyzed to obtain commercial compounds of potassium.Īnother way to produce potassium is to do sodium reduction of molten potassium chloride, KCl, at 870☌. 6H 2 O), sylvite (KCl), polyhalite (K 2 Ca 2 Mg 4. Therefore, soluble potassium compounds such as carnallite (KMgCl 3. The fact that these minerals are insoluble in water makes the job tougher. Since potassium is mainly present in igneous rocks, shale, and sediment in minerals like muscovite and orthoclase feldspar, it is difficult to procure the element itself. Several artificial isotopes have also been prepared. There are three isotopes for potassium which are naturally present: potassium-39, potassium-41, radioactive potassium-40. Potassium has two oxidation states +1 and -1(rarely). The element whose atomic number is 19 and atomic weight 39.098u has a melting point of 63.28☌ and a boiling point of 760☌. It constitutes 2.6 percent of Earth’s mass. Potassium is the seventh most abundant element found on Earth’s crust. Before potassium was recognized as an element, it was used to make soap by mixing potassium carbonate with animal fat. Until then, Potassium and Sodium could not be distinguished from each other. Potassium collected at the cathode.Ī notable point is that the very first metal to be isolated by electrolysis is Potassium. Potassium was first isolated from caustic potash KOH (molten) by electrolysis in 1807. Its electronic configuration is 2, 8, 8, 1 or we can say 1s 2 2s 2 2p 6 3s 2 3p 6 4s 1. Potassium is a fine conductor of electricity and heat. It is white with a silvery shine or luster. Its atomic number is 19 and atomic weight is 39.098u. Its symbol is K taken from its Latin name Kalium. Potassium is an alkali metal and is a part of group 1.

It was the first metal to be electrolyzed and isolated. Potassium, like the other elements in the first column, is an alkali group member, along with caesium and sodium. It comes from the phrase 'alkali,' which is an ancient designation for the element. The phrase Kalium is represented by the symbol K. Potassium interacts aggressively with water, releasing hydrogen gas. Potassium is a malleable metal with a silver colour profile once isolated. When tracing the element, it is always done in conjunction with other components. It is the seventh most prevalent element in the crust of the world. It has a lavender-coloured flame and green smoke. It reacts aggressively with water, producing hydrogen, which can catch fire and explode.Ĭhlorine, fluorine, sulphur, nitrogen, and phosphorus are all easy to react with. It is a silky, lustrous metal with a melting point of 63☏ and a boiling point of 770☏. Potassium's Physical and Chemical Properties This isotope degrades into an argon isotope. It's used to figure out how old something is. Potassium-40 is a radioactive isotope that can be found in rocks, plants, and animals. Potassium is commonly divided into three isotopes: potassium-39, 40, and 41. It is necessary for both plant and animal life to exist. Potassium (K) is a chemical element in the alkali metal group of the periodic table, belonging to Group 1 (IA). Potash can be used to create glass, soap, and other products. Injections with potassium chloride are also common. It is one of the human body's basic nutrients. Potassium salts are used as a fertilizer component. It is an extremely active metal that is never found alone in nature instead, it forms compounds with other elements.īecause of this, it may be used as a heat exchange medium and is employed in nuclear power plants. It is an alkali metal, like lithium, rubidium, sodium, caesium, and francium.

Potassium comes from a material called Potash.įor hundreds of years, the element has been employed. Potassium has an atomic mass of 39.098 atomic mass units. Potassium is the first element in the periodic table's fourth period (row).

Potassium element card