Potassium+2

 Potassium  Kaitlyn Murphy & Sarah Messeck

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[ Ar ] 4s1 Alkali Metals Group 1 Mass : 39.0983 g.mol -1

Isotopes: 5 Melting Point: 63.25°C Boiling Point: 760°C

=Introduction =

Discovered in the early 19th Century, Potassium is now one of the most beneficial elements in human health and in nature. Potassium is one of the most reactive, and one of the lightest metals. The only metal that is lighter than potassium is Lithium//.// Potassium is stored in Kerosene since it is so reactive, it catches fire, and oxidizes easily. Because of its high reactivity, it is never found pure in nature, but within other elements. It was discovered by electrolysis. Potassium is present in a number of foods that improve human health with its benefits to the heart, muscle and nervous systems. This element is used predominantly in fertilizers but it is also used to make glass and soaps.

=//History //= 

Before the18th century, there was a potassium compound called Potash, and this was created with the ashes of wood. Potash was also known as potassium carbonate. Potassium was discovered when an electric current was passed through a molten solution of potash. This created drops of metal which Humphry Davy named Potassium on October 6, 1807. This was the first metal ever to be isolated by electrolysis. Potassium is now used in soaps, glass, fertilizers, medicines, explosives (such as fireworks), and is essential for the body's nutrients.

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<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"> //**Economic Value**// = <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"> ﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿ Each year, American farmers pay $900 million per yea﻿r for Potassium fertilizers. Potassium is in such high demand for fertilizer because of its plant growth benefits. Potassium salts, or compounds, are used to make soaps, detergents and glass. the salts are also used to make other chemicals like ammonia. Pure Potassium can be purchased for $100/g. <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">

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<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"> =//<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">Nature & Environment //= <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">Potassium is one of the essential macro minerals for survival. Potassium is helpful not only for humans, but also for soil health, plant growth, and animal nutrition. The reason that potassium is so important is because in plants, it helps to keep the osmotic pressure and cell size preserved which then regulat

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">es photosynthesis and energy production. Without potassium, plants won't grow to their full potential, they’ll bloom less, and there will be less plants produced. “Potassium is essential for nearly all forms of life including plants.” <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"> You can find sources of Potassium in the following compounds: <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"> o Fertilizer (Potassium Chloride) <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"> o Caustic Soda used in soaps (Potassium Hydroxide)

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"> o “Soft Soaps” and raw material for glass (Potassium Carbonate) <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"> o Gunpowder, Matches, Fireworks (Potassium Nitrate)

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<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"> =//<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">Health Affects //= <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">A diet rich in Potassium can fight against hypertension, maintain water balance and increase the loss of sodium from the body. Potassium works with nerve function, muscle control and blood pressure. Potassium is essential for proper heart and kidney function. Potassium deficieny can lead to weak muscles, nausea, and an irregular heartbeat. Congestive heart failure, fatigue and even depression can result from Potassium deficiency. Though fatigue, slow reflexes and dry skin are the most common symptons of deficiency. A diet of fresh fruits and vegetables will prevent these symptons and keep Potassium in its proper range.

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<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"> //**<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">Miscellaneous Potassium Facts **// =

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"> <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">When potassium is put in fire, the flames turn Violet.
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">In animals, Potassium and Sodium are regulated by the kidney. If the body intakes less potassium or sodium than the amount lost in bodily fluids, your tissues and cells will be affected.
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">Potassium is an electrolyte-- a substance that conducts electricity in the body.
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">Makes up 2.4% of the Earth's crust.
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">First metal to be isolated by electrolysis.

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<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"> [[image:potassium.jpg width="367" height="225" align="right" caption="Items containing Potassium"]]
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