Potassium: Difference between revisions
imported>Mark Widmer (Opening paragraph revised to new standard: Phase, symbol, atomic no., and std. atomic weight. Updated "solid" link from disambig page to appropriate page.) |
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Potassium is a vital ion in cellular communication via the action potential. | 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]].[[Category:Suggestion Bot Tag]] | ||
Latest revision as of 11:00, 6 October 2024
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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.