The periodic table/Potassium

< The periodic table
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Type classification: this is an article resource.
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Discovery

Potassium was discovered by Sir Humphrey Davy in 1807. This alkali metal was the first metal that was isolated by electrolysis. The name comes from the Arabic word, القَلْيَه‎ (al-qali), meaning Plant Ashes.

Quick Facts

Name: potassium atom

Symbol: K

Atomic Mass: 39

Classification: alkali metals

Protons: 19

Electrons: 19

Neutrons: 20

Color: silvery-white

Discovery in: 1807

Density: 0.89 g/cm3

Crystal Structure: cubic

Melting Point: 49 °C

Boiling Point: 774 °C

Common Uses: glass, soap, substitute for table salt, fertilizers, gunpowder, medical uses

See also

Search for Potassium on Wikipedia.

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