Potassium: Difference between revisions
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'''Potassium''' is a [[Chemical elements|chemical element]], | '''Potassium''' is a [[Chemical elements|chemical element]], typically found as a [[Solid_(state_of_matter)|solid]] in its elemental form. It has the [[chemical symbol]] K (from the Latin ''kalium''), [[atomic number]] (number of [[protons]]) ''Z'' = 19, and a [[Atomic mass#Standard atomic weights of the elements|standard atomic weight]] of 39.0983 g/mol. | ||
Potassium is considered to be a member of the "alkali metal" class of element. At a [[pressure]] of 101.325 k[[Pascal (unit)|Pa]], it has a [[boiling point]] of 769 °[[Celsius (unit)|C]], and a [[melting point]] of 65.5 °C. It is a silvery-white, reactive metal. Potassium reacts violently with [[water]], producing [[hydrogen]]. With a density of 0.862 g/cc, potassium is less dense than water. | Potassium is considered to be a member of the "alkali metal" class of element. At a [[pressure]] of 101.325 k[[Pascal (unit)|Pa]], it has a [[boiling point]] of 769 °[[Celsius (unit)|C]], and a [[melting point]] of 65.5 °C. It is a silvery-white, reactive metal. Potassium reacts violently with [[water]], producing [[hydrogen]]. With a density of 0.862 g/cc, potassium is less dense than water. | ||
Revision as of 21:19, 11 January 2021
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Potassium is a chemical element, typically found as a solid in its elemental form. It has the chemical symbol K (from the Latin kalium), atomic number (number of protons) Z = 19, and a standard atomic weight of 39.0983 g/mol.
Potassium is considered to be a member of the "alkali metal" class of element. At a pressure of 101.325 kPa, it has a boiling point of 769 °C, and a melting point of 65.5 °C. It is a silvery-white, reactive metal. Potassium reacts violently with water, producing hydrogen. With a density of 0.862 g/cc, potassium is less dense than water.
Potassium in its cation form (K+) performs many different functions within the human body. K+ is essential for cellular function and maintaining homeostasis through action potentials.
Biochemistry
Potassium is a vital ion in cellular communication via the action potential.
Hyperkalemia occurs when there is too much potassium in the blood, and hypokalemia when there is a deficiency. Potassium levels in the body are balanced by levels of sodium.