Potassium - Element of the Week from 1/4 -1/11

          

            Potassium is element number 19. It is a soft, light-colored alkali metal that reacts violently with water. It is so soft that it can be cut with a knife. It is the second least dense metal after lithium. Its name comes from the English word "potash," as it was originally found in this substance. Its elemental symbol K comes from the neo-Latin (created after the year 1500) term "kalium," taken from the word "alkali" and before that, derived from the Arabic word for "plant ash."

            Potassium salts were at first not differentiated from sodium salts, but George Ernst Stahl, in 1702, obtained evidence that made him believe that there was a difference between the two. Potassium metal was isolated in 1807 by the English Sir Humphry Davy. He first isolated it from a plant ash (as had previously been done) and then later from lye.

            The element is the eighth most abundant element on Earth and is about 2.1% of the earth's crust.

            Potassium is necessary for the functioning human body. It is important in neuron function and in maintaining the fluid and electrolyte levels in the body. Studies have shown that diets high in Potassium can reduce the risk of hypertension and stroke.

            Potassium is most commonly found in the human body, in fertilizers, and in foods. A potassium salt is one of the main parts of baking powder. Also, in the industrial setting, Potassium hydroxide (KOH) is  commonly used to neutralize acids.