potassium

The definition of potassium is an alkali metal.

Facts About Potassium

• Its symbol is K, which is Latin for kalium.
• It has an atomic number of 19.
• Potassium reacts violently to water which makes hydrogen. During the process, there is enough heat generated to ignite the hydrogen.
• Before the 19th century, it was thought that sodium and potassium were the same.
• In nature, potassium is found in ionic salts, just like sodium.
• It is a very soft, light silvered colored metal that tarnishes quickly in air into a gray color.
• When it is burned, the flame is a light purple.
• Most of the potassium produced in the world is used by the fertilizer industry.
• It helps the nerves and muscles do their job, to maintain the proper acid-base balance, and can lower blood pressure.
• Some medications interfere in potassium levels including ACE inhibitors, Heparin, Bactrim or Septra, Cyclosporine, Beta Blockers and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs.