POTASSIUM

BASIC INFORMATION

• Atomic Mass: 39.0983
• Atomic Number: 19
• Solid at room temperature
• Symbol: "K", comes from Latin word kalium

HISTORY

• Before 18th century, it was not discovered exclusively, but rather indirectly through a substance called "potash"
• This substance was used as a strong cleaning agent

HUMPHRY DAVY

• Humphry Davy was a British chemist who discovered potassium
• He discovered it by sending electrical currents through dry solutions of potash. This would cause small metal droplets to separate from the solution.

FUN FACT

• Too little potassium in the body causes hypokalemia. This condition causes muscle cramps, weakness, and irregular heartbeat.
• Too much potassium causes hyperkalemia, which shares similar symptoms to hypokalemia.