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Potassium(:
The symbol for potassium is K. Super easy, I know. It's atomic number is 19 and it's atomic mass is 39.0983. Not as easy to remember. It's part of the Alkali Metal (IA) family.
Chemical Properties.
Basic Facts.
Discovery and Naming.
Even the early humans knew of Potash, a potassium compound that's formed when wood burns. When they wanted to know more they washed the wood ash to dissolve the potash, they then evaporated the water to reveal Potash. Potash is often called "Vegetable Alkali". Potash's fancy name is Potassium Carbonate (K2CO3). A similar substanse is Soda Ash (NA2CO3), scientist had trouble telling them apart because looked and acted alike. The two comounds were not differenciated until the late 18th century. They discover the the element in Potash is Potassium and the element in Soda Ash is Sodium. They discovered this by passing an electric current through the substances which revealed the elements. The first success at this was on October 6th, 1807.
Potassium is a silvery-white metal. It's boiling point is 770 degrees celsius, it has a melting point of 63 degrees, that means it could melt using a candle flame. It also has a density is 0.862 grams per cubic centimetre which is less than water. That's right, folks, potassium can float on water. But that might not be the smartest thing to do.
Physical Properties.
Potassium is a very active element but not always in a good way. For instance, Potassium reacts violently with water. It creates a hydrogen gas that can catch fire or explode!!! But it does react well with all other acids and non-metal materials.
By Hannah Gorton(:
Occurance in Nature.
Potassium takes up about 2-2.5% of the Earth's crust. I know that doesn't seem like much but that's the 8th most abundant element!!!!
Hey, kids! Don't you LOVE bananas? Well guess what? They contain Potassium!!!! That's right, Potassium is everywhere! And it's good for you, too!!! One banana contains about 20% of your recomeneded daily value of Potassium! Even old people can love bananas because it keeps your blood pressue at a normal level!!! So go ahead and pick up a banana today!!!!!
