Wikijunior:The Elements/Potassium
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[edit] What does it look, feel, taste, or smell like?
Potassium is metallic and silvery white. It is soft, waxy and can easily be cut with a knife.
[edit] How was it discovered?
It was discovered in 1807 when Sir Humphrey Davy extracted it from Potassium Hydroxide, a compound used in cooking.
[edit] Where did its name come from?
The name "potassium" comes from the English word "potash". Potassium's chemical symbol, K, comes from the Latin word "kalium" meaning alkali.
Did You Know?
- First interesting fact.
- Another interesting fact.
- Yet another interesting fact.
[edit] Where is it found?
Potassium makes up nearly 3% of the Earth's crust and is the seventh most abundant element on the planet. Potassium is rarely found free in nature as it is a very reactive element. Instead, potassium is usually found in minerals such as sylvite, carnallite, langbeinite, and polyhalite. These minerals are usually found in ancient lake and sea beds. Another important source of potassium, caustic potash, is mined in Germany as well as New Mexico, California and Utah in the United States.
[edit] What are its uses?
Plants need potassium to grow. Potassium can be found it most soils, usually in the form of potassium chloride (KCl) or potassium nitrate (KNO3). In addition, potassium chloride is a salt substitute and aids in the production of other chemicals. Potassium nitrate, also known as saltpeter or nitre, is also used to make the heads of matches and pyrotechnics. Potassium hydroxide (KOH) can be found in soaps, detergents and drain cleaners. Potassium carbonate (KHCO3), or pearl ash, is a byproduct of ammonia that can be found in certain types of soap and glass.
[edit] Is it dangerous?
Pure potassium, as a metal, will light on fire if it touches water. However, potassium is a required mineral in the body as an ion — an electric atom. One of its uses inside the body is in the nerves. Nerves, and neurons in the brain, carry electricity; the potassium ion, along with the sodium ion, are important to this.
Potassium hydroxide and its solutions should never be touched in any way.
