Kalium

Kalium is the Latin name for potassium, a chemical element with the symbol K (from Neo-Latin kalium) and atomic number 19. It was first isolated from potash, the ashes of plants, from which its name is derived. In the periodic table, potassium is one of the alkali metals, all of which have a single valence electron in the outer electron shell, that is easily removed to create an ion with a positive charge – a cation, which combines with anions to form salts.

Characteristics

Potassium in nature occurs only in ionic salts. Elemental potassium reacts vigorously with water, generating sufficient heat to ignite hydrogen emitted in the reaction, and burning with a lilac-colored flame. It is found dissolved in sea water, and occurs in many minerals such as orthoclase, a common constituent of granites and other igneous rocks.

Applications

Potassium is essential to life, being necessary for the function of all living cells. Some of its applications include its use in fertilizers, as a salt substitute and as a reagent in laboratories. It is also used in the manufacture of glass and soap.

Health Effects

Potassium ions are necessary for the function of all living cells. The transfer of potassium ions across nerve cell membranes is necessary for normal nerve transmission. Potassium deficiency can lead to a disease known as hypokalemia.

See Also

• Potassium
• Alkali metal
• Hypokalemia

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