Physical Properties of Potassium:
- Appearance: soft, silver-white metal
- Density: 0.89 g/cm³
- Melting point: 63.5 °C
- Boiling point: 759 °C
Chemical Properties of Potassium:
- Reactivity: Potassium is a highly reactive metal that reacts vigorously with water and air. It is highly flammable and must be stored in oil or another non-reactive substance.
- Oxidation: Potassium readily oxidizes in air, forming a dull gray oxide layer on its surface.
Valency of Potassium:
Potassium has a valency of +1.
Electronic Configuration of Potassium:
Potassium has an electronic configuration of [Ar] 4s¹.
Uses of Potassium:
Fertilizers: Potassium compounds such as potassium chloride are used in fertilizers to promote plant growth.
Pharmaceuticals: Potassium is an important nutrient in the human body and is used in various pharmaceuticals and supplements.
Alloys: Potassium is sometimes used as an alloying agent in metals to improve their properties.
Reactions of potassium with other elements:
Water: Potassium reacts violently with water, producing hydrogen gas and potassium hydroxide.
Oxygen: Potassium reacts with oxygen to form potassium oxide.
Halogens: Potassium reacts with halogens such as chlorine and bromine to form potassium halides.
Chemical reaction of potassium with other compounds and elements
Reaction of Potassium with water:
When potassium is added to water, it reacts vigorously, producing hydrogen gas and potassium hydroxide. The chemical equation for the reaction is:
2K(s) + 2H2O(l) → 2KOH(aq) + H2(g)
Reaction of Potassium with oxygen:
Potassium reacts with oxygen to form potassium oxide. The chemical equation for reaction is:
4K(s) + O2(g) → 2K2O(s)
Reaction of Potassium with halogens:
Potassium reacts with halogens (such as chlorine, bromine, and iodine) to form ionic compounds known as metal halides. The chemical equation for this reaction with chlorine is:
2K(s) + Cl2(g) → 2KCl(s)
Reaction of Potassium with acids:
Potassium reacts with acids (such as hydrochloric acid) to form potassium chloride and hydrogen gas. The chemical equation for this reaction is:
2K(s) + 2HCl(aq) → 2KCl(aq) + H2(g)
Reaction of Potassium with sulfur:
Potassium reacts with sulfur to form potassium sulfide. The chemical equation for this reaction is:
2K(s) + S(s) → K2S(s)
