Potassium

Symbol: K

Atomic Number: 19

Atomic Weight: 39.0983

Potassium (atomic number 19, symbol K) is a metal and an important element in our diet. It is silvery-white in color, waxy, and soft. Potassium is a very reactive metal and one of the least dense metals in the periodic table. It has a body-centered cubic crystal structure and 1 oxidation state. The element oxidizes and tarnishes quickly when exposed to air.

Potassium was first discovered in 1807 by Humphry Davy. It does not occur freely in nature and can be extracted from minerals such as polyhalite and sylvite. Potassium hydroxide, known as potash lye and caustic potash, is another...Read More