Potassium - Element Properties and Periodic Table Information

Potassium - An element from the Periodic Table based on the IOUPAC 1985 standard

Chemical Elements

Periodic Table

Definition of the Potassium Element
A soft, silver-white, highly or explosively reactive metallic element that occurs in nature only in compounds. It is obtained by electrolysis of its common hydroxide and found in, or converted to, a wide variety of salts used especially in fertilizers and soaps.

Origin / Meaning of the name Potassium
The name originates from Potash and it's symbol - K - comes from the Latin word Kalium

Classification of the Potassium Element
Potassium is classified as an "Alkali Metal" and located in Group 1 elements of the Periodic Table. An Element classified as an Alkali Metal is a very reactive metal that does not occur freely in nature. Alkali metals are soft, malleable, ductile, and are good conductors of heat and electricity.

Facts about the History of the Potassium Element
Potassium was discovered by Sir Humphrey Davy in 1807. This alkali metal was the first metal that was isolated by electrolysis.

Occurrence the Potassium Element
Makes up about 2.4% of the weight of the Earth's crust
Seventh most abundant element
Found in ancient lakes and seas
Mined in USA, Germany & New Mexico
Density less than that of water
Rapidly oxidises in air

Associated Uses of Potassium
Glass
Soap
Substitute for table salt
Medical
Fertilizers
Gunpowder
Potassium nitrate, chloride & permanganate
 

The Properties of the Potassium Element
Name of Element : Potassium
Symbol of Element : K
Atomic Number of Potassium : 19
Atomic Mass: 39.0983 amu
Melting Point: 63.65 °C - 336.8 °K
Boiling Point: 774.0 °C - 1047.15 °K
Number of Protons/Electrons in Potassium : 19
Number of Neutrons in Potassium : 20
Crystal Structure: Cubic
Density @ 293 K: 0.862 g/cm3
Color of Potassium : Silver-white

Potassium and the Periodic Table
Check out Potassium on the Periodic Table which arranges each chemical element according to its atomic number, as based on the periodic law, so that chemical elements with similar properties are in the same column. Our Periodic Table is simple to use - just click on the symbol for Potassium for additional information and for an instant comparison of the Atomic Weight, Melting Point, Boiling Point and Mass - G/cc with any other element. An invaluable source of facts and information as a Chemistry reference guide.

Potassium - IUPAC and the Modern Standardised Periodic Table
The Standardised Periodic Table in use today was agreed by the International Union of Pure Applied Chemistry, IUPAC, in 1985 and now recognises more periods and elements than Dimitri  Mendeleev knew in his day but still all fitting into his concept of  the "Periodic Table" in which Potassium is just one element that can be found.
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The Element Potassium

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