The Elements and Health Benefits of Potassium

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Potassium is an element on the periodic table that is symbolized by the letter K. The atomic number of this element is 19. At room temperature this element is a solid. Potassium can be found in two forms: either pure or compounds. Pure potassium is described as a soft silvery-white alkali metal that oxidizes rapidly in air and is very reactive in water However, Potassium forms many compounds such as Potassium chloride, which is the most common potassium compound (Gagnon, 1). This form of Potassium is especially used in fertilizers as a salt substitute. Another potassium compound is Potassium hydroxide, which is used to make soap, detergents and drain cleaners. Potassium carbonate is used to make some types of glass and soaps. This is also obtained as a byproduct of ammonia. Lastly, Potassium superoxide can create oxygen from water vapor and carbon dioxide. An example of this reaction is “2KO2 + H2O + 2CO2 => 2KHCO3 + O2” (Gagnon, 1). Gagnon also says, “it is used in respiratory equipment and is produced by burning potassium metal in dry air. Potassium nitrate (KNO3), also known as saltpeter or nitre, is used in fertilizers, match heads and pyrotechnics” (Gagnon, 1). Sir Humphrey Davy discovered this element in England in 1807 (Helmenstine, 1). Steve Gagnon, maintainer of the Jefferson Lab website page says, “Sir Humphry Davy first isolated metallic potassium in 1807 through the electrolysis of molten caustic potash (KOH)” (Gagnon, 1). Gagnon also writes, “a few months after discovering potassium, Davy used the same method to isolate sodium. Potassium can be obtained from the minerals sylvite (KCl), carnallite (KCl·MgCl2·6H2O), langbeinite (K2Mg2(SO4)3) and polyhalite (K2Ca2Mg(SO4)4·2H2O). These minerals are often found in ancient... ... middle of paper ... ...ium at its normal state, room temperature-solid metal. It is almost impossible to imagine that people ingest potassium in forms of pills and foods for health benefits. Works Cited Helmenstine, Anne M. "Everything You Need to Know About the Element Potassium." About.com Chemistry. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Apr. 2014. (The author of this cite is valid because she has a Ph.D in science). Gagnon, Steven. "The Element Potassium." It's Elemental -. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Apr. 2014. (This source is credible because it is a scientific educational website). "Potassium: Heart Benefits and Side Effects." WebMD. WebMD, n.d. Web. 22 Apr. 2014. (This source is credible because it is a medical cite that discusses halth benefits or conditions). File:Potassium.jpg. N.d. Wikimedia Commons. Web. 22 Apr. 2014. (This source is credible because it is a picture of potassium that I found).

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