19 argon ← potassium → calcium Na ↑ K ↓ Rb Periodic table - Extended periodic table
General
Name, symbol, number	potassium, K, 19
Chemical series	alkali metals
Group, period, block	1, 4, s
Appearance	silvery white
Standard atomic weight	39.0983(1) g·mol−1
Electron configuration	[Ar] 4s1
Electrons per shell	2, 8, 8, 1
Physical properties
Phase	solid
Density (near r.t.)	0. This article pertains to the chemical element For other uses see Argon (disambiguation. Calcium (ˈkælsiəm is the Chemical element with the symbol Ca and Atomic number 20 Sodium (ˈsoʊdiəm is an element which has the symbol Na( Latin natrium, from Arabic natrun) atomic number 11 atomic mass 22 Rubidium (ruːˈbɪdiəm /rəˈbɪdiəm/ is a Chemical element with the symbol Rb and Atomic number 37 This is a typical display of the periodic table of the elements and contains the symbol and Atomic number of each element Wikipedia talkFeatured lists for an explanation of this and other inclusion tags below -->This is a list of Chemical elements, sorted by name Wikipedia talkFeatured lists for an explanation of this and other inclusion tags below -->This is a list of chemical elements by symbol, including the A table of Chemical elements ordered by Atomic number and color coded according to type of element In Chemistry a group, also known as a family, is a vertical column in the Periodic table of the Chemical elements There are 18 groups in Trends The alkali metals show a number of trends when moving down the group - for instance decreasing electronegativity increasing reactivity and decreasing melting and boiling In Chemistry a group, also known as a family, is a vertical column in the Periodic table of the Chemical elements There are 18 groups in In the Periodic table of the elements, a period is a horizontal row of the table A block of the Periodic table of elements is a set of adjacent groups The respective highest-energy electrons in each element in a block belong to the same Atomic Trends The alkali metals show a number of trends when moving down the group - for instance decreasing electronegativity increasing reactivity and decreasing melting and boiling A period 4 element is one of the Chemical elements in the fourth row (or period) of the periodic table of the elements. See also Electron configuration The atomic mass (ma is the Mass of an atom most often expressed in unified atomic mass units The atomic mass may be considered to be the total mass To help compare different orders of magnitude, the following list describes various Mass levels between 10&minus36&thinsp kg and 1053&thinspkg Molar mass, symbol M, is the Mass of one mole of a substance ( Chemical element or Chemical compound) In Atomic physics and Quantum chemistry, electron configuration is the arrangement of Electrons in an Atom, Molecule, or other This article pertains to the chemical element For other uses see Argon (disambiguation. The electron is a fundamental Subatomic particle that was identified and assigned the negative charge in 1897 by J An electron shell may be crudely thought of as an Orbit followed by Electrons around an Atom nucleus. In the Physical sciences a phase is a Set of states of a macroscopic physical system that have relatively uniform chemical composition and physical properties A solid' object is in the States of matter characterized by resistance to Deformation and changes of Volume. The density of a material is defined as its Mass per unit Volume: \rho = \frac{m}{V} Different materials usually have different Room temperature (also referred to as ambient temperature) is a common term to denote a certain Temperature within enclosed space at which humans are accustomed 89 g·cm−3
Liquid density at m.p.	0. Kilogram per cubic metre is the SI measure of Density and is represented as kg/m³ where kg stands for Kilogram and m³ stands for Cubic metre The density of a material is defined as its Mass per unit Volume: \rho = \frac{m}{V} Different materials usually have different The melting point of a solid is the temperature range at which it changes state from solid to Liquid. 828 g·cm−3
Melting point	336. The melting point of a solid is the temperature range at which it changes state from solid to Liquid. 53 K (63. The kelvin (symbol K) is a unit increment of Temperature and is one of the seven SI base units The Kelvin scale is a thermodynamic 38 °C, 146. The Celsius Temperature scale was previously known as the centigrade scale. 08 °F)
Boiling point	1032 K (759 °C, 1398 °F)
Triple point	336. Fahrenheit is a temperature scale named after Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit (1686–1736 a German Physicist who proposed it in 1724 The boiling point of a liquid is the temperature at which the Vapor pressure of the liquid equals the environmental pressure surrounding the liquid The kelvin (symbol K) is a unit increment of Temperature and is one of the seven SI base units The Kelvin scale is a thermodynamic The Celsius Temperature scale was previously known as the centigrade scale. Fahrenheit is a temperature scale named after Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit (1686–1736 a German Physicist who proposed it in 1724 In Thermodynamics, the triple point of a substance is the Temperature and Pressure at which three phases (for example Gas, Liquid 35 K (63°C),  kPa
Atomic properties
Crystal structure	cubic body centered
Oxidation states	1 (strongly basic oxide)
Electronegativity	0. The Celsius Temperature scale was previously known as the centigrade scale. In Mineralogy and Crystallography, a crystal structure is a unique arrangement of Atoms in a Crystal. The oxidation number of a central atom in a coordination compound is the charge that it would have if all the Ligands were removed along with the Electron pairs In Chemistry, a base is most commonly thought of as an aqueous substance that can accept Protons This refers to the Brønsted-Lowry theory of acids and " Electronegativity " is the opposite of " Electropositivity," which describes an element's ability to donate electrons 82 (Pauling scale)
Ionization energies (more)	1st: 418. The ionization potential, ionization energy or EI of an Atom or Molecule is the Energy required to remove an Electron These tables list the Ionization energy in kJ/mol necessary to remove one mole of Electrons from one mole of neutral gaseous Atoms (first energy respectively 8 kJ·mol−1
	2nd: 3052 kJ·mol−1
	3rd: 4420 kJ·mol−1
Atomic radius	220 pm
Atomic radius (calc. The joule per mole (symbol J·mol-1 is an SI derived unit of energy per amount of material Atomic radius, and more generally the size of an atom, is not a precisely defined Physical quantity, nor is it constant in all circumstances A picometre ( American spelling: picometer, symbol pm) is a unit of Length in the Metric system, equal to one trillionth )	243 pm
Covalent radius	196 pm
Van der Waals radius	275 pm
Miscellaneous
Magnetic ordering	paramagnetic
Thermal conductivity	(300 K) 102. The covalent radius, r cov is a measure of the size of Atom which forms part of a Covalent bond. Van der Waals Volume The van der Waals volume, V, also called the atomic volume or molecular volume, is the atomic property most directly In Physics, magnetism is one of the Phenomena by which Materials exert attractive or repulsive Forces on other Materials. In Physics, thermal conductivity, k is the property of a material that indicates its ability to conduct Heat. 5 W·m−1·K−1
Thermal expansion	(25 °C) 83. When the Temperature of a substance changes the energy that is stored in the Intermolecular bonds between atoms changes 3 µm·m−1·K−1
Speed of sound (thin rod)	(20 °C) 2000 m/s
Young's modulus	3. Sound is a vibration that travels through an elastic medium as a Wave. In Solid mechanics, Young's modulus (E is a measure of the Stiffness of an isotropic elastic material 53 GPa
Shear modulus	1. In Materials science, shear modulus or modulus of rigidity, denoted by G, or sometimes S or μ, is defined as the ratio of Shear 3 GPa
Bulk modulus	3. 1 GPa
Mohs hardness	0. The Mohs scale of mineral hardness characterizes the scratch resistance of various Minerals through the ability of a harder material to scratch a softer material 4
Brinell hardness	0. The Brinell scale characterizes the indentation Hardness of materials through the scale of penetration of an indenter loaded on a material test-piece 363 MPa
CAS registry number	7440-09-7
Selected isotopes
Main article: Isotopes of potassium iso NA half-life DM DE (MeV) DP 39K 93. CAS registry numbers are unique numerical identifiers for Chemical compounds Polymers biological sequences mixtures and Alloys They are also referred to Potassium ( K) has 24 known Isotopes Three isotopes occur naturally 39K (93 Isotopes (Greek isos = "equal" tópos = "site place" are any of the different types of atoms ( Nuclides In Chemistry, natural abundance (NA refers to the abundance Isotopes of a Chemical element as naturally found on a planet Half-Life (computer-game page here It's already listed in the disambiguation page Radioactive decay is the process in which an unstable Atomic nucleus loses energy by emitting ionizing particles and Radiation. The decay energy is the Energy released by a Nuclear decay. The energy difference of the Reactants is often written as Q: where Q In Nuclear physics, a decay product, also known as a daughter product, daughter isotope or daughter nuclide, is a Nuclide 26% 39K is stable with 20 neutrons 40K 0. Stable isotopes are chemical isotopes that are not Radioactive (to current knowledge This article is a discussion of neutrons in general For the specific case of a neutron found outside the nucleus see Free neutron. 012% 1.248(3)×109 y β- 1. To help compare Orders of magnitude of different times this page lists times between 1016 seconds (320 million years and 1017 seconds (3200 million years In Nuclear physics, beta decay is a type of Radioactive decay in which a Beta particle (an Electron or a Positron) is emitted 311 40Ca ε 1. Calcium (ˈkælsiəm is the Chemical element with the symbol Ca and Atomic number 20 Electron capture (sometimes called inverse beta decay) is a Decay mode for Isotopes that will occur when there are too many Protons in the 505 40Ar β+ 1. This article pertains to the chemical element For other uses see Argon (disambiguation. Positron emission is a type of Beta decay, sometimes referred to as " beta plus " (&beta+ 505 40Ar 41K 6. This article pertains to the chemical element For other uses see Argon (disambiguation. 73% 41K is stable with 22 neutrons
References
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Potassium (pronounced /pəˈtæsiəm/) is a chemical element. Stable isotopes are chemical isotopes that are not Radioactive (to current knowledge This article is a discussion of neutrons in general For the specific case of a neutron found outside the nucleus see Free neutron. Recommended values for many properties of the elements together with various references are collected on these data pages A chemical element is a type of Atom that is distinguished by its Atomic number; that is by the number of Protons in its nucleus. It has the symbol K (Latin: kalium) and atomic number 19. Latin ( lingua Latīna, laˈtiːna is an Italic language, historically spoken in Latium and Ancient Rome. See also List of elements by atomic number In Chemistry and Physics, the atomic number (also known as the proton The name "potassium" comes from the word "potash", as potassium was first isolated from potash. Potash (or carbonate of potash) is an impure form of Potassium carbonate ( K 2 CO3) Potassium is a soft silvery-white metallic alkali metal that occurs naturally bound to other elements in seawater and many minerals. Trends The alkali metals show a number of trends when moving down the group - for instance decreasing electronegativity increasing reactivity and decreasing melting and boiling Seawater is Water from a Sea or Ocean. On average seawater in the world's oceans has a Salinity of about 3 A mineral is a naturally occurring substance formed through geological processes that has a characteristic chemical composition a highly ordered atomic structure and specific It oxidizes rapidly in air and is very reactive with water, generating sufficient heat to ignite the evolved hydrogen. Redox (shorthand for reduction-oxidation reaction describes all Chemical reactions in which atoms have their Oxidation number ( Oxidation state Temperature and layers The temperature of the Earth's atmosphere varies with altitude the mathematical relationship between temperature and altitude varies among five Water is a common Chemical substance that is essential for the survival of all known forms of Life. In many respects, potassium and sodium are chemically similar, although they have very different functions in organisms in general, and in animal cells in particular. Sodium (ˈsoʊdiəm is an element which has the symbol Na( Latin natrium, from Arabic natrun) atomic number 11 atomic mass 22 A chemical substance is a Material with a definite chemical composition.

Occurrence

See also: Category:Potassium minerals

Potassium in feldspar

Potassium metal is never found free, as it reacts violently with the abundant water in nature. Feldspar is the name of a group of rock-forming Minerals which make up as much as 60% of the Earth 's crust. ^[1] As various compounds, potassium makes up about 1. 5% of the weight of the Earth's crust and is the seventh most abundant element. In Geology, a crust is the outermost solid shell of a planet or moon ^[1] As it is very electropositive, potassium metal is difficult to obtain from its minerals. Electropositivity is a measure of an element's ability to donate Electrons, and therefore form positive Ions. Potassium salts such as carnallite, langbeinite, polyhalite, and sylvite form extensive deposits in ancient lake and seabeds, making extraction of potassium salts in these environments commercially viable. Carnallite is an Evaporite mineral a hydrated Potassium Magnesium Chloride with formula K[[magnesium Mg]] Cl 3·6( Langbeinite is a Potassium Magnesium Sulfate Mineral with formula K 2 Mg 2( S[[oxygen O]]43 Polyhalite is an Evaporite mineral a hydrated Sulfate of Potassium, Calcium and Magnesium with formula K2Ca2Mg(SO44·2(H2O Sylvite is Potassium chloride ( K[[chlorine Cl]] in natural Mineral form "Ocean Floor" redirects here For the 2001 song by Audio Adrenaline, see Lift (Audio Adrenaline album. The principal source of potassium, potash, is mined in Saskatchewan, California, Germany, New Mexico, Utah, and in other places around the world. Potash (or carbonate of potash) is an impure form of Potassium carbonate ( K 2 CO3) Saskatchewan (səˈskætʃəwən) is a prairie province in Canada, which has an area of 588276 California ( is a US state on the West Coast of the United States, along the Pacific Ocean. Germany, officially the Federal Republic of Germany ( ˈbʊndəsʁepuˌbliːk ˈdɔʏtʃlant is a Country in Central Europe. New Mexico ( is a state located in the southwestern region of the United States of America. The State of Utah (ˈjuːtɔː or) is a western state of the United States. Three thousand feet below the surface of Saskatchewan are large deposits of potash which are important sources of this element and its salts, with several large mines in operation since the 1960s. Saskatchewan (səˈskætʃəwən) is a prairie province in Canada, which has an area of 588276 Saskatchewan pioneered the use of freezing of wet sands (the Blairmore formation) in order to drive mine shafts through them. The main mining company is the Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan. The Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan Inc () today generally referred to as PotashCorp, is a Canadian corporation based in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan The oceans are another source of potassium, but the quantity present in a given volume of seawater is relatively low compared with sodium. An ocean (from Greek, ''Okeanos'' (Oceanus) is a major body of saline water, and a principal component of the Hydrosphere.

Production

Pure potassium metal can be isolated by electrolysis of its hydroxide in a process that has changed little since Davy. In chemistry and manufacturing electrolysis is a method of separating chemically bonded elements and compounds by passing an Electric current Potassium hydroxide is the Inorganic compound with the formula K[[hydroxide OH]] Sir Humphry Davy 1st Baronet FRS MRIA (17 December 1778 &ndash 29 May 1829 was a British Chemist and inventor ^[1] Thermal methods also are employed in potassium production, using potassium chloride. The Chemical compound potassium chloride (KCl is a Metal Halide salt composed of Potassium and Chlorine.

Isotopes

Main article: isotopes of potassium

There are 24 known isotopes of potassium. Potassium ( K) has 24 known Isotopes Three isotopes occur naturally 39K (93 Isotopes (Greek isos = "equal" tópos = "site place" are any of the different types of atoms ( Nuclides Three isotopes occur naturally: ³⁹K (93. 3%), ⁴⁰K (0. 0117%) and ⁴¹K (6. 7%). Naturally occurring ⁴⁰K decays to stable ⁴⁰Ar (11. This article pertains to the chemical element For other uses see Argon (disambiguation. 2%) by electron capture and by positron emission, and decays to stable ⁴⁰Ca (88. Electron capture (sometimes called inverse beta decay) is a Decay mode for Isotopes that will occur when there are too many Protons in the Positron emission is a type of Beta decay, sometimes referred to as " beta plus " (&beta+ Calcium (ˈkælsiəm is the Chemical element with the symbol Ca and Atomic number 20 8%) by beta decay; ⁴⁰K has a half-life of 1. In Nuclear physics, beta decay is a type of Radioactive decay in which a Beta particle (an Electron or a Positron) is emitted Half-Life (computer-game page here It's already listed in the disambiguation page 250×10⁹ years. The decay of ⁴⁰K to ⁴⁰Ar enables a commonly used method for dating rocks. The conventional K-Ar dating method depends on the assumption that the rocks contained no argon at the time of formation and that all the subsequent radiogenic argon (i. Potassium-argon dating or K-Ar dating is a Radiometric dating method used in Geochronology and Archeology. e. , ⁴⁰Ar) was quantitatively retained. Minerals are dated by measurement of the concentration of potassium and the amount of radiogenic ⁴⁰Ar that has accumulated. A mineral is a naturally occurring substance formed through geological processes that has a characteristic chemical composition a highly ordered atomic structure and specific The minerals that are best suited for dating include biotite, muscovite, plutonic/high grade metamorphic hornblende, and volcanic feldspar; whole rock samples from volcanic flows and shallow instrusives can also be dated if they are unaltered. Biotite is a common phyllosilicate Mineral within the Mica group with the approximate chemical formula K(Mg Fe3AlSi3O10(F Muscovite (also known as Common Mica, Isinglass, or Potash mica) is a phyllosilicate Mineral of Aluminium Hornblende is a complex inosilicate series of Minerals Hornblende is not a recognized mineral in its own right but the name is used as a general or field term to Feldspar is the name of a group of rock-forming Minerals which make up as much as 60% of the Earth 's crust.

Outside of dating, potassium isotopes have been used extensively as tracers in studies of weathering. A radioactive tracer, also called a radioactive label, is a substance containing a Radioisotope (which is an isotope that has an unstable nucleus and that stabalizes Weathering is the decomposition of earth rocks, Soils and their Minerals through direct contact with the planet's Atmosphere. They have also been used for nutrient cycling studies because potassium is a macronutrient required for life. In Ecology and Earth science, a biogeochemical cycle is a circuit or pathway by which a Chemical element or Molecule moves through both biotic A nutrient is food or chemicals that an organism needs to live and grow or a substance used in an organism's metabolism which must be taken in from its environment Life is a state that distinguishes Organisms from non-living objects such as non-life and dead organisms being manifested by growth through Metabolism

⁴⁰K occurs in natural potassium (and thus in some commercial salt substitutes) in sufficient quantity that large bags of those substitutes can be used as a radioactive source for classroom demonstrations. In healthy animals and people, ⁴⁰K represents the largest source of radioactivity, greater even than ¹⁴C. In a human body of 70 kg mass, about 4,400 nuclei of ⁴⁰K decay per second. ^[2]

The activity of natural potassium is 31 Bq/g. The becquerel (symbol Bq) is the SI derived unit of radioactivity.

Properties

Physical properties

The flame test

Potassium is the second least dense metal; only lithium is less dense. Lithium (ˈlɪθiəm is a Chemical element with the symbol Li and Atomic number 3 It is a soft, low-melting solid that can easily be cut with a knife. Freshly cut potassium is silvery in appearance, but in air it begins to tarnish toward grey immediately. ^[1]

In a flame test, potassium and its compounds emit a pale violet color, which may be masked by the strong yellow emission of sodium if it is also present. A flame test is a procedure used in Chemistry to detect the presence of certain Metal ions based on each element's characteristic Emission spectrum Cobalt glass can be used to filter out the yellow sodium color. Cobalt glass is a deep blue colored Glass prepared by adding Cobalt compounds to the molten glass ^[3] Potassium concentration in solution is commonly determined by flame photometry, atomic absorption spectrophotometry, inductively coupled plasma, or ion selective electrodes. A photoelectric flame photometer is a device used in inorganic chemical analysis to determine the concentration of certain metal ions among them Sodium In Analytical chemistry, atomic absorption spectroscopy is a technique for determining the concentration of a particular metal element in a sample An inductively coupled plasma ( ICP) is a type of plasma source in which the Energy is supplied by Electrical currents which are produced by An Ion-selective electrode (ISE (also known as a specific ion electrode (SIEis a transducer ( Sensor) which converts the activity of a specific Ion dissolved

Chemical properties

Potassium must be protected from air for storage to prevent disintegration of the metal from oxide and hydroxide corrosion. Often samples are maintained under a reducing medium such as kerosene. Redox (shorthand for reduction-oxidation reaction describes all Chemical reactions in which atoms have their Oxidation number ( Oxidation state Kerosene, sometimes spelled kerosine in scientific and industrial usage is a Combustible Hydrocarbon liquid

Like the other alkali metals, potassium reacts violently with water, producing hydrogen. Hydrogen (ˈhaɪdrədʒən is the Chemical element with Atomic number 1 The reaction is notably more violent than that of lithium or sodium with water, and is sufficiently exothermic that the evolved hydrogen gas ignites.

2K(s) + 2H₂O(l) → H₂(g) + 2KOH(aq)

Because potassium reacts quickly with even traces of water, and its reaction products are nonvolatile, it is sometimes used alone, or as NaK (an alloy with sodium which is liquid at room temperature) to dry solvents prior to distillation. NaK (næk rhyming with "sack" is an alloy of Sodium (Na and Potassium (K and particularly one that is liquid at room temperatures Sodium (ˈsoʊdiəm is an element which has the symbol Na( Latin natrium, from Arabic natrun) atomic number 11 atomic mass 22 A solvent is a liquid or gas that dissolves a solid liquid or gaseous Solute, resulting in a Solution. In this role, it serves as a potent desiccant. A Desiccant is a Hygroscopic substance that induces or sustains a state of dryness ( Desiccation) in its local vicinity in a moderately-well sealed container

Potassium hydroxide reacts strongly with carbon dioxide to produce potassium carbonate, and is used to remove traces of CO₂ from air.

Potassium compounds generally have excellent water solubility, due to the high hydration energy of the K⁺ ion. The potassium ion is colorless in water.

Methods of separating potassium by precipitation, sometimes used for gravimetric analysis, include the use of sodium tetraphenyl boron, hexachloroplatinic acid, and sodium cobaltinitrite. Precipitation is the formation of a Solid in a Solution during a Chemical reaction. Gravimetric analysis describes a set of methods in Analytical chemistry for the quantitative determination of an analyte based on the mass of a solid Dihydrogen hexachloroplatinate(IV hexahydrate is the Chemical compound with the formula H2PtCl6·(H2O6 Sodium cobaltinitrite is a Coordination compound with the formula Na3Co(NO26

Potassium cations in the body

Biochemical function

Main article: Action potential

Potassium ions, (generally referred to as "postasium") are important in neuron (brain and nerve) function, and in influencing osmotic balance between cells and the interstitial fluid. In Neurophysiology, the action potential is a self-regenerating Wave of Electrochemical activity that allows Nerve cells to carry a signal An ion is an Atom or Molecule which has lost or gained one or more Valence electrons giving it a positive or negative electrical charge Neurons (ˈnjuːɹɒn also known as neurones and nerve cells) are responsive cells in the Nervous system that process and transmit information The brain is the center of the Nervous system in animals All Vertebrates and the majority of Invertebrates have a brain A nerve is an enclosed cable-like bundle of peripheral Axons (the long slender projections of Neurons. Osmoregulation is the active regulation of the Osmotic pressure of bodily fluids to maintain the Homeostasis of the body's Water content that is it keeps Extracellular fluid (ECF usually denotes all body fluid outside of cells ^[4]. It is also the major cation in animal cells. An ion is an Atom or Molecule which has lost or gained one or more Valence electrons giving it a positive or negative electrical charge

Potassium may be detected by taste because it triggers three of the five types of tastebuds, according to concentration. Dilute solutions of potassium ion taste sweet (allowing moderate concentrations in milk and juices), while higher concentrations become increasingly bitter/alkaline, and finally also salty to the taste. The combined bitterness and saltiness of high potassium content solutions makes high-dose potassium supplementation by liquid drinks a palatability challenge.

Membrane polarization

Potassium is also important in allowing muscle contraction and the sending of all nerve impulses in animals through action potentials. A muscles contraction (also known as a muscle twitch or simply twitch) occurs when a Muscle fibre generates tension through the action of Actin In Neurophysiology, the action potential is a self-regenerating Wave of Electrochemical activity that allows Nerve cells to carry a signal By nature of their electrostatic and chemical properties, K⁺ ions are larger than Na⁺ ions, and ion channels and pumps in cell membranes can distinguish between the two types of ions, actively pumping or passively allowing one of the two ions to pass, while blocking the other. ^[5]

A shortage of potassium in body fluids may cause a potentially fatal condition known as hypokalemia, typically resulting from diarrhea, increased diuresis and vomiting. Hypokalemia refers to the condition in which the concentration of Potassium in the blood is low In Medicine, diarrhea, also spelled diarrhoea (see spelling differences) is frequent loose or liquid Bowel movements Acute diarrhea Diuresis is the increased production of Urine by the Kidney. Types and causes The kidney normally produces up to 180 L of "pro-urine" Deficiency symptoms include muscle weakness, paralytic ileus, ECG abnormalities, decreased reflex response and in severe cases respiratory paralysis, alkalosis and cardiac arrhythmia. Alkalosis refers to a condition reducing Hydrogen ion concentration of arterial Blood plasma ( alkalemia) Dysrhythmia redirects here For the American band see Dysrhythmia (band.

Filtration and excretion

Potassium is an essential mineral micronutrient in human nutrition; it is the major cation (positive ion) inside animal cells, and it is thus important in maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance in the body. An electrolyte is any substance containing free Ions that behaves as an electrically conductive medium Sodium makes up most of the cations of blood plasma at about 145 milliequivalents per liter (3345 milligrams) and potassium makes up most of the cell fluid cations at about 150 milliequivalents per liter (4800 milligrams). Sodium (ˈsoʊdiəm is an element which has the symbol Na( Latin natrium, from Arabic natrun) atomic number 11 atomic mass 22 An ion is an Atom or Molecule which has lost or gained one or more Valence electrons giving it a positive or negative electrical charge The equivalent (Eq or eq is a reasonably common Measurement unit used in Chemistry and the biological sciences. Plasma is filtered through the glomerulus of the kidneys in enormous amounts, about 180 liters per day. A glomerulus is a Capillary tuft surrounded by Bowman's capsule in Nephrons of the vertebrate Kidney. ^[6] Thus 602,000 milligrams of sodium and 33,000 milligrams of potassium are filtered each day. All but the 1000-10,000 milligrams of sodium and the 1000-4000 milligrams of potassium likely to be in the diet must be reabsorbed. Sodium must be reabsorbed in such a way as to keep the blood volume exactly right and the osmotic pressure correct; potassium must be reabsorbed in such a way as to keep serum concentration as close as possible to 4. 8 milliequivalents (about 190 milligrams) per liter. ^[7] Sodium pumps must always operate to conserve sodium. Potassium must sometimes be conserved also, but since the amount of potassium in the blood plasma is very small and the pool of potassium in the cells is about thirty times as large, the situation is not so critical for potassium. Since potassium is moved passively^[8][9] in counter flow to sodium in response to an apparent (but not actual) Donnan equilibrium,^[10] the urine can never sink below the concentration of potassium in serum except sometimes by actively excreting water at the end of the processing. The Gibbs-Donnan effect (also known as the Donnan effect, Donnan law, Donnan equilibrium, or Gibbs-Donnan equilibrium) is a name for the behavior Potassium is secreted twice and reabsorbed three times before the urine reaches the collecting tubules. ^[11] At that point, it usually has about the same potassium concentration as plasma. If potassium were removed from the diet, there would remain a minimum obligatory kidney excretion of about 200 mg per day when the serum declines to 3. 0-3. 5 milliequivalents per liter in about one week,^[12] and can never be cut off completely. Because it cannot be cut off completely, death will result when the whole body potassium declines to the vicinity of one-half full capacity. At the end of the processing, potassium is secreted one more time if the serum levels are too high.

The potassium moves passively through pores in the cell wall. When ions move through pumps there is a gate in the pumps on either side of the cell wall and only one gate can be open at once. As a result 100 ions are forced through per second. Pores have only one gate and there one kind of ion only can stream through at 10 million to 100 million ions per second. ^[13] The pores require calcium in order to open^[14] although it is thought that the calcium works in reverse by blocking at least one of the pores. ^[15] Carbonyl groups inside the pore on the amino acids mimics the water hydration that takes place in water solution^[16] by the nature of the electrostatic charges on four carbonyl groups inside the pore. ^[17]

Potassium in the diet

Adequate intake can generally be guaranteed by eating a variety of foods containing potassium and deficiency is rare in healthy individuals eating a balanced diet. Foods with high sources of potassium include orange juice, potatoes, bananas, avocados, tomatoes, broccoli, soybeans and apricots, although it is also common in most fruits, vegetables and meats ^[18]. Orange juice is a Fruit juice obtained by squeezing pressing or otherwise crushing the interior of an orange. The potato is a Starchy Tuberous crop Vegetable from the perennial Solanum tuberosum of the Solanaceae For the fruit see Banana. For other meanings see Banana (disambiguation. The avocado ( Persea americana) (from Nahuatl āhuacatl) also known as aguacate ( Spanish) butter pear or The tomato ( Solanum lycopersicum, syn Lycopersicon lycopersicum) is a herbaceous usually sprawling plant in the Solanaceae or nightshade family Broccoli is a plant of the Cabbage family Brassicaceae (formerly Cruciferae The Apricot ( Prunus armeniaca, "Armenian plum" in Latin syn The term fruit has different meanings dependent on context and the term is not synonymous in Food preparation and Biology. The term " vegetable " generally means the edible parts of Plants The definition of the word is traditional rather than Scientific, however In modern English usage meat most often refers to Animal tissue used as food mostly Skeletal muscle and associated Fat, but it may also refer Diets high in potassium can reduce the risk of hypertension and a potassium deficiency combined with an inadequate thiamine intake has produced heart disease in rats. Hypertension, also referred to as high blood pressure, HTN or HPN, is a medical condition in which the Blood pressure is chronically elevated For the similarly spelled pyrimidine see Thymine Thiamin or thiamine, also known as Vitamin B1 ^[19] The 2004 guidelines of the Institute of Medicine specify a DRI of 4,000mg of potassium, though most Americans consume only half that amount per day. "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " The Institute of Medicine (IOM is one of the United States National Academies, and is a not-for-profit non-governmental American organization chartered in 1970 as a part of the United The Dietary Reference Intake (or DRI is a system of Nutrition recommendations from the Institute of Medicine (IOM of the US National Academy of Sciences ^[20] Similarly, in the European Union, particularly in Germany and Italy, insufficient potassium intake is somewhat common. The European Union ( EU) is a political and economic union of twenty-seven member states, located primarily in Germany, officially the Federal Republic of Germany ( ˈbʊndəsʁepuˌbliːk ˈdɔʏtʃlant is a Country in Central Europe. Italy (Italia officially the Italian Republic, (Repubblica Italiana is located on the Italian Peninsula in Southern Europe, and on the two largest ^[21]

Supplements of potassium in medicine are most widely used in conjunction with loop diuretics and thiazides, classes of diuretics which rid the body of sodium and water, but have the side effect of also causing potassium loss in urine. Loop diuretics are Diuretics that act on the ascending Loop of Henle in the Kidney. Thiazide is a term used to describe a type of molecule and a class of Diuretic. A variety of medical supplements are available. If potassium supplements are used, such as sodium free baking powder and sodium free table salt, inadequate thiamine can cause beriberi. For the similarly spelled pyrimidine see Thymine Thiamin or thiamine, also known as Vitamin B1 Beriberi (pronounced Berry-berry) is a Nervous system ailment caused by Thiamine (vitamin B1 deficiency ^[22][23]

Individuals suffering from kidney diseases may suffer adverse health effects from consuming large quantities of dietary potassium. The kidneys are complicated organs that have numerous biological roles End stage renal failure patients undergoing therapy by renal dialysis must observe strict dietary limits on potassium intake, since the kidneys control potassium excretion, and buildup of blood concentrations of potassium may trigger fatal cardiac arrhythmia. Chronic kidney disease (CKD also known as chronic renal disease, is a progressive loss of renal function over a period of months or years In Medicine, dialysis (from Greek "dialusis" meaning dissolution "dia" meaning through and "lusis" meaning loosening is primarily Acute hyperkalemia can be reduced through eating baking soda,^[24] or glucose,^[25][26] hyperventilation^[27] and perspiration. Hyperkalemia ( AE) or Hyperkalaemia ( BE) is an elevated blood level of the Electrolyte Potassium. Glucose (Glc a Monosaccharide (or simple Sugar) also known as grape sugar, is an important Carbohydrate in Biology. In Medicine, hyperventilation (or overbreathing) is the state of Breathing faster and/or deeper than necessary bringing about lightheadedness and other ^[28]

Applications

Biological applications

Potassium is an essential component of plant nutrition and is found in most soil types. Plants are living Organisms belonging to the kingdom Plantae. Soil, often typeset as SOiL, is a four piece rock band from Chicago Illinois United States founded by Shaun Glass Tom Schofield Tim King and Adam Zadel Its primary use in agriculture, horticulture and hydroponic culture as a fertilizer as the chloride (KCl), sulfate (K₂SO₄) or nitrate (KNO₃). Agriculture refers to the production of goods through the growing of plants and fungi and the raising of domesticated Animals The study of agriculture Horticulture is the art and science of plant cultivation Horticulturists (or horticuluralists) work and conduct research in the fields of Plant propagation Hydroponics (from the Greek words hydro (water and ponos (labour is a method of growing Plants using mineral Nutrient solutions without Fertilizers ( also spelt fertiliser are chemical compounds given to Plants to promote growth they are usually applied either through the soil for uptake by plant The Chemical compound potassium chloride (KCl is a Metal Halide salt composed of Potassium and Chlorine. Potassium sulfate (K2SO4 (in British English potassium sulphate, also called sulphate of potash or archaically known as potash of sulfur Potassium nitrate is a Chemical compound with the Chemical formula K[[Nitrogen N]] O 3

In animal cells, potassium ions are vital to keeping cells alive (see Na-K pump). The cell is the structural and functional unit of all known living Organisms It is the smallest unit of an organism that is classified as living and is often called

Food applications

Potassium is a nutrient necessary for human life and health. Potassium chloride is used as a substitute for table salt by those seeking to reduce sodium intake so as to control hypertension. The Chemical compound potassium chloride (KCl is a Metal Halide salt composed of Potassium and Chlorine. Salt is a Dietary mineral composed primarily of Sodium chloride that is essential for Animal life but toxic to most land plants Hypertension, also referred to as high blood pressure, HTN or HPN, is a medical condition in which the Blood pressure is chronically elevated Good dietary sources of potassium include celery juice. ^[29] The USDA lists tomato paste, orange juice, beet greens, white beans, bananas, and many other good dietary sources of potassium, ranked according to potassium content per measure shown. ^[30]

Potassium sodium tartrate, or Rochelle salt (KNaC₄H₄O₆) is the main constituent of baking powder. Potassium sodium tartrate is a Double salt first prepared (in about 1675) by an apothecary, Pierre Seignette, of La Rochelle, Baking powder is a dry chemical Leavening agent used in cooking mainly baking Potassium bromate (KBrO₃) is a strong oxidiser, used as a flour improver (E924) to improve dough strength and rise height. Potassium bromate (KBrO3 is a Bromate of Potassium and takes the form of white crystals or powder

The sulfite compound, Potassium bisulfite (KHSO₃) is used as a food preservative, for example in wine and beer-making (but not in meats). Sulfites (also sulphites) are compounds that contain the sulfite Ion S[[oxygen O]]32− Potassium hydrogen sulfite or potassium bisulfite is a Chemical compound with the Chemical formula KHSO3 Wine is an Alcoholic beverage made from the fermentation of Grape juice Beer is the world's oldest and most widely consumed Alcoholic beverage and the third most popular drink overall after water and tea It is also used to bleach textiles and straw, and in the tanning of leathers. A bleach is a Chemical that removes color or whitens often via Oxidation. Leather is a material created through the Tanning of hides and Skins of Animals primarily Cattlehide The Tanning process

Non-dietary uses of potassium chloride include its use to stop the heart, e. The Chemical compound potassium chloride (KCl is a Metal Halide salt composed of Potassium and Chlorine. g. in cardiac surgery and in a solution used in executions by lethal injection. Cardiac surgery is Surgery on the Heart and/or Great vessels performed by a Cardiac surgeon.

Industrial applications

Potassium vapor is used in several types of magnetometers. A magnetometer is a scientific instrument used to measure the strength and/or direction of the Magnetic field in the vicinity of the instrument An alloy of sodium and potassium, NaK (usually pronounced "nack"), that is liquid at room temperature, is used as a heat-transfer medium. An alloy is a Solid solution or Homogeneous mixture of two or more elements, at least one of which is a Metal, which itself has NaK (næk rhyming with "sack" is an alloy of Sodium (Na and Potassium (K and particularly one that is liquid at room temperatures It can also be used as a desiccant for producing dry and air-free solvents. A Desiccant is a Hygroscopic substance that induces or sustains a state of dryness ( Desiccation) in its local vicinity in a moderately-well sealed container Air-free techniques refer to a range of manipulations in the chemistry Laboratory for the handling of compounds that are Air-sensitive.

Potassium metal reacts vigorously with all of the halogens to form the corresponding potassium halides, which are white, water-soluble salts with cubic crystal morphology. The cubic crystal system (or isometric) is a Crystal system where the Unit cell is in the shape of a Cube. Potassium bromide (KBr), potassium iodide (KI) and potassium chloride (KCl) are used in photographic emulsion to make the corresponding photosensitive silver halides. Potassium bromide ( K[[Bromine Br]] is a salt, widely used as an Anticonvulsant and a Sedative in the late 19th and early 20th centuries Potassium iodide is an Inorganic compound with formula K[[iodide I]] The Chemical compound potassium chloride (KCl is a Metal Halide salt composed of Potassium and Chlorine. Photographic emulsion is a layer of light-sensitive material coated onto a substrate Photosensitivity is the amount to which an object reacts upon receiving Photons especially Visible light. A silver halide is one of the compounds formed between Silver and one of the Halogens &mdash Silver bromide (AgBr chloride

Potassium hydroxide KOH is a strong base, used in industry to neutralize strong and weak acids and thereby finding uses in pH control and in the manufacture of potassium salts. Potassium hydroxide is the Inorganic compound with the formula K[[hydroxide OH]] In Computer science, ACID ( Atomicity Consistency Isolation Durability) is a set of properties that guarantee that Database transactions are pH is the measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a Solution. A salt, in Chemistry, is defined as the product formed from the neutralisation reaction of Acids and bases. Potassium hydroxide is also used to saponify fats and oils and in hydrolysis reactions, for example of esters and in industrial cleaners. Saponification is the Hydrolysis of an Ester under basic conditions to form an Alcohol and the Salt of a Carboxylic acid Fats consist of a wide group of compounds that are generally soluble in organic solvents and largely insoluble in water An oil is a substance that is in a viscous Liquid state ( "oily") at ambient temperatures or slightly warmer and is Hydrolysis is a Chemical reaction during which one or more water molecules are split into hydrogen and hydroxide ions which may go on to participate in further reactions Esters are a class of Chemical compounds and Functional groups Esters consist of an inorganic or organic Acid in which at least

Potassium nitrate KNO₃ or saltpeter is obtained from natural sources such as guano and evaporites or manufactured by the Haber process and is the oxidant in gunpowder (black powder) and an important agricultural fertilizer. Potassium nitrate is a Chemical compound with the Chemical formula K[[Nitrogen N]] O 3 Guano (from the Quechua 'wanu' via Spanish) is the Feces of Seabirds Bats and seals Evaporites (iˈvæpəraɪt are water-soluble Mineral sediments that result from the Evaporation of bodies of surficial Water. The Haber process, also called the Haber–Bosch process, is the Nitrogen fixation reaction of Nitrogen and Hydrogen, over an iron substrate An oxidizing agent or oxidising agent (also called an oxidant, oxidizer or oxidiser) can be defined as either a Chemical compound Gunpowder is a an explosive mixture of Sulfur, Charcoal and Potassium nitrate (also known as saltpetre/saltpeter that burns rapidly producing volumes Gunpowder is a an explosive mixture of Sulfur, Charcoal and Potassium nitrate (also known as saltpetre/saltpeter that burns rapidly producing volumes Potassium cyanide KCN is used industrially to dissolve copper and precious metals particularly silver and gold by forming complexes; applications include gold mining, electroplating and electroforming of these metals. Potassium cyanide is an Inorganic compound with the formula KCN Copper (ˈkɒpɚ is a Chemical element with the symbol Cu (cuprum and Atomic number 29 Silver (ˈsɪlvɚ is a Chemical element with the symbol " Ag " (argentum from the Ancient Greek: ἀργήντος - argēntos gen Gold (ˈɡoʊld is a Chemical element with the symbol Au (from its Latin name aurum) and Atomic number 79 The term complex in Chemistry is usually used to describe molecules or ensembles formed by the combination of Ligands and metal Ions. "Gold mine" redirects here See Goldmine for other uses of the term Electroplating is the process of using electrical current to reduce Cations of a desired material from a solution and coat a conductive object Electroforming is a highly specialized process of Metal part fabrication using Electrodeposition in a plating bath over a base form or Mandrel which The M acro E xpansion T emplate A ttribute L anguage complements TAL, providing macros which allow the reuse of code across It is also used in organic synthesis to make nitriles. Organic synthesis is a special branch of Chemical synthesis and is concerned with the construction of Organic compounds via Organic reactions Organic A nitrile is any Organic compound which has a - C ≡ N Functional group. Potassium carbonate K₂CO₃, also known as potash, is used in the manufacture of glass and soap and as a mild desiccant. Carbonate of potash redirects here For one of potassium carbonate's impure forms see Potash.

Potassium chromate (K₂CrO₄) is used in dyes and stains (bright yellowish-red colour), in explosives and fireworks, in safety matches, in the tanning of leather and in fly paper. You may be looking for Potassium dichromate Potassium chromate ( K 2 Cr[[Oxygen O]]4 is a yellow chemical A dye can generally be described as a Colored substance that has an affinity to the substrate to which it is being applied A stain is a discoloration that can be clearly distinguished from the sufrace An explosive material is a material that either is chemically or otherwise Energetically unstable or produces a sudden expansion of the material usually accompanied A firework is classified as a low explosive pyrotechnic device used primarily for aesthetic and entertainment purposes A fly-killing device is an Apparatus used for Pest control. A fly-killing device usually attracts flying Insects including Houseflies, Wasps Potassium fluorosilicate (K₂SiF₆) is used in specialized glasses, ceramics, and enamels. The word ceramic is derived from the Greek word κεραμικός ( keramikos) In a discussion of Material science, enamel (or vitreous enamel or porcelain enamel in U Potassium sodium tartrate, or Rochelle salt (KNaC₄H₄O₆) is used in the silvering of mirrors. Potassium sodium tartrate is a Double salt first prepared (in about 1675) by an apothecary, Pierre Seignette, of La Rochelle, Silvering is the chemical process of coating Glass with a reflective substance A mirror is an object with a surface that has good Specular reflection; that is it is smooth enough to form an Image.

The superoxide KO₂ is used as a portable source of oxygen and as a carbon dioxide absorber. Superoxide is the Anion O2&minus It is important as the product of the one-electron reduction of Dioxygen, which occurs widely in nature It is useful in portable respiration systems. A rebreather is a type of Breathing set that provides a Breathing gas containing Oxygen and recycled exhaled gas Potassium chlorate KClO₃ is a strong oxidant, used in percussion caps and safety matches and in agriculture as a weedkiller. Potassium chlorate is a compound containing Potassium, Chlorine and Oxygen, with the chemical formula KClO3 The percussion cap, introduced around 1830, was the crucial invention that enabled muzzle-loading firearms to fire reliably in any weather A match is a consumable Tool for lighting a Fire under controlled circumstances on demand A herbicide is used to kill unwanted Plants Selective herbicides kill specific targets while leaving the desired Crop relatively unharmed Glass may be treated with molten potassium nitrate KNO₃ to make toughened glass, which is much stronger than regular glass. Glass in the common sense refers to a Hard, Brittle, transparent Solid, such as that used for Windows many Potassium nitrate is a Chemical compound with the Chemical formula K[[Nitrogen N]] O 3 Toughened or tempered glass is Glass that has been processed by controlled thermal or chemical treatments to increase its strength compared with normal glass

History

Potassium was discovered in 1807 by Sir Humphry Davy, who derived it from caustic potash (KOH). Sir Humphry Davy 1st Baronet FRS MRIA (17 December 1778 &ndash 29 May 1829 was a British Chemist and inventor Potassium hydroxide is the Inorganic compound with the formula K[[hydroxide OH]] In Chemistry, hydroxide is the most common name for the diatomic Anion OH− consisting of Oxygen and Hydrogen Before the 18th century, no distinction was made between potassium and sodium. Potassium was the first metal that was isolated by electrolysis. ^[31]

Potassium was not known in Roman times, and its names are not Classical Latin but rather neo-Latin. Ancient Rome was a Civilization that grew out of a small agricultural community founded on the Italian Peninsula as early as the 10th century BC Classical Latin is the form of the Latin language used by the ancient Romans in what is usually regarded as "classical" Latin literature. The term New Latin or Neo-Latin is used to describe a form the Latin language used between the end of the Medieval Latin period (c

• The name kalium was taken from the word "alkali", which came from Arabic al qalīy = "the calcined ashes". In Chemistry, an alkali (from Arabic: Al-Qaly القلي القالي) is a basic, ionic salt of an Alkali metal Arabic (ar الْعَرَبيّة (informally ar عَرَبيْ) in terms of the number of speakers is the largest living member of the Semitic language
• The name potassium was made from the word "potash", which is English, and originally meant an alkali extracted in a pot from the ash of burnt wood or tree leaves. In Chemistry, an alkali (from Arabic: Al-Qaly القلي القالي) is a basic, ionic salt of an Alkali metal

Precautions

Peroxides (Yellow) and Ozonides (Red) on surface of potassium metal.

Potassium reacts very violently with water producing hydrogen gas which then usually catches fire. Hydrogen (ˈhaɪdrədʒən is the Chemical element with Atomic number 1 Potassium is usually kept under a mineral oil such as kerosene to stop the metal reacting with water vapour present in the air. Unlike lithium and sodium, however, potassium should not be stored under oil indefinitely. If stored longer than 6 months to a year, dangerous shock-sensitive peroxides can form on the metal and under the lid of the container, which can detonate upon opening. A peroxide is a compound containing an Oxygen -oxygen single bond. It is recommended that potassium, rubidium or caesium not be stored for longer than three months unless stored in an inert (oxygen free) atmosphere, or under vacuum. Rubidium (ruːˈbɪdiəm /rəˈbɪdiəm/ is a Chemical element with the symbol Rb and Atomic number 37 Caesium or cesium (ˈsiːziəm is the Chemical element with the symbol Cs and Atomic number 55 ^[32]

As potassium reacts with water to produce highly flammable hydrogen gas, a potassium fire is only exacerbated by the addition of water, and only a few dry chemicals are effective for putting out such a fire (see the precaution section in sodium). Hydrogen (ˈhaɪdrədʒən is the Chemical element with Atomic number 1 Sodium (ˈsoʊdiəm is an element which has the symbol Na( Latin natrium, from Arabic natrun) atomic number 11 atomic mass 22

Potassium also produces potassium hydroxide (KOH) in the reaction with water. Potassium hydroxide is the Inorganic compound with the formula K[[hydroxide OH]] Potassium hydroxide which is an strong alkali and so is a caustic hazard causing burns. Potassium hydroxide is the Inorganic compound with the formula K[[hydroxide OH]] In Chemistry, an alkali (from Arabic: Al-Qaly القلي القالي) is a basic, ionic salt of an Alkali metal

Due to the highly reactive nature of potassium, it should be handled with great care, with full skin and eye protection being used and preferably a explosive resistant barrier between the user and the source of the potassium.

References

See also

• Potassium compounds
• Potassium in biology

External links

• WebElements.com – Potassium