Potassium's symbol is K which comes from the word kalium which comes from the Latinized version of the Arabic word for potash.
C. Potassium's atomic weight is 39.098.
D. Potassium is extremely soft metallic element that can be cut easily with a knife.
E. Potassium is found in nature in large quantities, ranking 8th in abundance in the earth's crust. .
Who discovered Potassium?.
A. Sir Humphry Davy believed a strong electrical current might be able to overcome forces binding compounds together, and lead to the isolation of new elements.
B. In 1807 he experimented caustic potash (Potassium Hydroxide, KOH) .
C. He fired a small piece of KOH in a furnace and placed it on a platinum plate. He connected the plate to the negative terminal of an large battery made of 250 stacked cells made of 6x4 copper and zinc plates. .
D. The positive terminal was connected to a platinum wire. The results became known as potassium.
Potassium Properties.
A. The melting point of Potassium is 63.5 degrees Celsius, about 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
B. The boiling point of potassium is 760 degree Celsius, which is about 1400 degrees Fahrenheit.
C. Potassium reacts violently with water producing potassium hydroxide and hydrogen gas. .
D. Potassium oxidizes as soon as its exposed to air.
Isotopes.
A. Isotope: [N] one of two or more atoms with the same atomic number of neutrons.
B. 17 isotopes of potassium are known.
C. Ordinary potassium is composed of three isotopes.
Production.
A. Potash is mostly mined in Germany, New Mexico, California, and Utah.
B. Potassium is also found in the ocean but is found in small amounts.
C. Metallic Potassium is available commercially for about 40 $ per pound in small quantities.
Uses of potassium.
A. Potassium's most popular use is for fertilizer.
B. Potassium is essential for all living things.
C. Potassium is found in most soils.
D. Potassium is also used in breathing apparatus where moisture in the breath and carbon dioxide reacts with it to release oxygen.