|
What is Potassium? Origin / Meaning of the name Potassium
The name was coined by Sir
Humphry Davy and originates from the Medieval Latin word kalium
(hence the symbol 'K') for potash. This is because the substance
was originally obtained by soaking wood ashes in water and
evaporating the mixture in an iron pot.
What is Potassium? Periodic Table Group and Classification of the Potassium Element
Elements can be classified based on their physical states (States
of Matter) e.g. gas, solid or liquid. This element is a solid. 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. Nearly 75%
of all the elements in the Periodic Table are classified as
metals which are detailed in the
List of Metals.
For additional facts and information refer
to Potassium
Properties.
What is Potassium? Occurrence of the Potassium Element
Potassium is a constituent of many common
rocks and minerals, and is therefore a rather abundant element,
though not so abundant as
Sodium. Feldspar, which occurs both by
itself and as a constituent of granite, contains considerable
potassium. The element is a constituent of all clay and of mica
and also occurs in very large deposits at Stassfurt, Germany, in
the form of the chloride and sulphate, associated with compounds
of sodium and
Magnesium. In small quantities it is found as
nitrate and in many other forms.
Refer to
Potassium Reaction for its
reaction to Water, Oxygen & Acids.
Potassium 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
Abundances of the element in different environments
% in Universe
0.0003%
% in Sun 0.0004%
% in Meteorites 0.07%
% in Earth's Crust 1.5%
% in Oceans 0.042%
% in Humans 0.2%
Medical Uses of Potassium - Health and Treatments
Interesting information is contained in the following table of Medical Uses
of Potassium, Health and Treatments. Potassium deficiency can be treated by
administration of potassium supplements.
|
Medical uses of Potassium - Health and Treatments |
|
Medical
Disorders |
Medical
Symptoms |
Uses of
Potassium & Treatments |
|
Low Potassium (Hypokalemia) |
Increased rate
of excretion by the kidneys |
Potassium
supplements |
|
Medical
Disorders |
Medical
Symptoms |
Uses of
Potassium & Treatments |
A useful reference
providing information regarding the medical uses of Potassium, associated
health issues and disorders and treatments using Potassium preparations.
Associated Uses of Potassium
Glass
Soap
Substitute for table salt
Medical
Fertilizers
Gunpowder
Potassium nitrate, chloride & permanganate |
