Potassium: Difference between revisions
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{{subpages}} | {{subpages}} | ||
{{Elem_Infobox | {{Elem_Infobox | ||
|elName= Potassium | |elName= Potassium | ||
|elgroup=1 | |elgroup=1 | ||
|elperiod=4 | |elperiod=4 | ||
|elblock=s | |elblock=s | ||
|eltrnCfg= | |eltrnCfg=1s<sup>2</sup>2s<sup>2</sup>2p<sup>6</sup>3s<sup>2</sup>3p<sup>6</sup>4s<sup>1</sup> | ||
|no1= | |no1= | ||
|no2= | |no2= | ||
|no3= | |no3= | ||
|no4= | |no4= | ||
|properties= | |properties= Soft, silvery-white metal. | ||
|compounds= | |compounds= | ||
|uses= | |uses=Major use is in fertilizer industry. | ||
|hazard= | |hazard= | ||
}} | }} | ||
'''Potassium''' is a [[Chemical elements|chemical element]], having the [[chemical symbol]] K. Its [[atomic number]] (the number of [[proton]]s) is 19. It has a [[Atomic mass#Standard atomic weights of the elements|standard atomic weight]] of 39.0983 g•mol<sup> −1</sup>, and is typically found as a [[solid]] in its elemental form. | |||
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]]. | |||
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 | Potassium in its cation form (K<sup>+</sup>) performs many different functions within the human body. K<sup>+</sup> is essential for cellular function and maintaining homeostasis through [[action potential]]s. | ||
=== Biochemistry === | === Biochemistry === | ||
Potassium is a vital ion in cellular communication via the | 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]]. | [[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]]. | ||
Revision as of 16:27, 18 April 2011
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Potassium is a chemical element, having the chemical symbol K. Its atomic number (the number of protons) is 19. It has a standard atomic weight of 39.0983 g•mol −1, and is typically found as a solid in its elemental form.
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.
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.