A soft, waxy, silvery reactive metal that is never found unbound in nature; an element (symbol K) with an atomic number of 19 and atomic weight of 39.0983. The symbol is derived from the Latin kalium
The chloride is used as a fertilizer and a raw material for producing other compounds, and the hydroxide for making liquid soaps and detergents and in preparing various salts. The iodide is added to table salt to protect against iodine deficiency. The nitrate is also called saltpetre, and the carbonate is called potash
Primary plant macronutrient, commonly found in soil solution as a monovalent cation Potassium is essentially involved in cellular water balance
A silver-white, soft, light, low-melting metallic element of the alkali metal group that occurs abundantly in nature One of three main fertilizers (with nitrogen and phosphorus) essential for plant growth
a light soft silver-white metallic element of the alkali metal group; oxidizes rapidly in air and reacts violently with water; is abundant in nature in combined forms occurring in sea water and in carnallite and kainite and sylvite
One of the nine macronutrients Potassium contributes to protein synthesis and the operation of the stomata Potassium aids in disease resistance, as well as seed and root development If a plant is potassium deficient, the plant will express an overall weakness, especially in its stem, while the leaf margin will yellow To correct potassium deficiencies in soil, apply soil amendments such as greensand, granite dust, or manure
What it's good for: Helps keep blood pressure down and aids muscle contractions, aids healthy electrical activity in the heart and rapid transmission of nerve impulses throughout the body Where you get it: Dried fruits, bananas, potatoes, most raw vegetables, citrus fruits, molasses, and sunflower seeds DRI or RDA: None
A mineral that serves as an electrolyte and is involved in the balance of fluid within the body Our bodies contain more than twice as much potassium as sodium (typically nine ounces versus four ounces) About 98 percent of total body potassium is inside our cells Potassium is the principal cation (positive ion) of the fluid within cells Potassium is important in controlling the activity of the heart, muscles, nervous system and just about every cell in the body Potassium regulates the water balance and acid-base balance in the blood and tissues Evidence is showing that potassium is also involved in bone calcification Potassium is a co-factor in many reactions, especially those involving energy production and muscle building
assists plants in forming starches and proteins and helps them resist disease and environmental stresses
chemical involved in regulation of protein synthesis and starch production in plants Plants short in potassium may show stunted growth, weak stems and root systems, and/or spotted and curled leaves
Potassium is the principal cation (positively charged ion) in intracellular fluid and is of primary importance in its maintenance Proper balance of potassium, calcium and magnesium ions are essential for the normal function of muscles
It is a soft, silvery white metal, not found free in nature and rarely used as the metal (except as a chemical reagent) because of its extreme reactivity. Potassium is essential for life and is present in all soils. Potassium ions (K^+) and sodium ions act at cell membranes in electrochemical impulse transmission and in transport. Potassium in compounds has valence
An alkali metal that forms various salts with halogens and other metals It is an essential nutrient, and among other uses, it is used in electrical impulses in the nervous system It is abundant naturally, and is generally not considered toxic
Potassium is an electrolyte found primarily inside cells Its role is to maintain water balance inside the cells and help in the transmission of nerve impulses Low or high levels in the blood are of critical significance Low levels may be found in patients taking water pills or in patients not receiving enough potassium A low potassium level can cause muscle weakness and heart problems A high potassium level can be found in kidney disease or in overuse of potassium supplements Some "salt" substitutes contain potassium instead of sodium Excessive use of these substitutes can cause dangerously high levels of potassium in the blood Any value outside the specified reference range, high or low, requires medical evaluation This is especially important if you are taking diuretic or heart medication [Hemolysis comment applies**]
a macromineral; necessary for a healthy nervous system and regular heart beat, prevents stroke, aids in proper muscle contraction, works with sodium to regulate the body's water balance, maintains stable blood pressure, transmits electrical impulses, regulates the transfer of nutrients through cell membranes, facilitates hormone secretion Stress increases potassium requirements, and tobacco and caffeine decrease potassium absorption Deficiency leads to dry skin, acne, chills, cognitive impairment, constipation, low mood, diarrhea, impaired reflexes, swelling, nervousness, thirst, irregular heart beat, glucose intolerance, high cholesterol, insomnia, lowered blood pressure, muscle fatigue and weakness, headache, nausea, vomiting, salt retention, and respiratory distress
Optional on nutrition label unless added as a nutrient supplement A mineral Assists in muscle contraction Helps maintain fluid and electrolyte balance in body cells Helps send nerve impulses and release energy from protein, fat, and carbohydrate DRV = 3,500 mg
A mineral that is normally present in the blood, and which is measured in the biochemistry blood test Either too much or too little potassium can be dangerous, causing the heart to stop People with kidney failure may need to restrict the amount of potassium in their diet
One of the essential elements of plant nutrition, identified by the chemical symbol It encourages strong new growth, development of flower buds and fruit formation In plant cultivation, the term potash is commonly used for this element, meaning a substance that contains potassium; for example, as an ingredient in fertilizer
An essential element found primarily in the cells of the body It helps to maintain proper muscle and nerve function; it also helps in some important metabolic processes Blood serum potassium levels usually are determined to help evaluate heart rhythm irregularities, neuromuscular disorders and kidney function
An Alkali element having atomic number 19, occurring abundantly but always combined, as in the chloride, sulphate, carbonate, or silicate, in the minerals sylvite, kainite, orthoclase, muscovite, etc
Potassium is a soft silvery-white chemical element, which occurs mainly in compounds. These compounds are used in making such things as glass, soap, and fertilizers. a common soft silver-white metal that usually exists in combination with other substances, used for example in farming. It is a chemical element : symbol K (potash). Chemical element, one of the alkali metals, chemical symbol K, atomic number
a mineral essential for muscle function, balance of body fluids, and transmission of nerve impulses Potassium is found in cereals, dried peas and beans, fresh vegetables and fruits, certain seeds, fresh fish, and certain meats
An element necessary to the lives of all plants and animals; in humans, one of its roles is to help regulate muscle contraction
a soft, silvery metal found in nature only in combination with other elements; it is one of the lightest, most reactive metals and rapidly oxidizes in air
A yellowish brown solid, KNH2, obtained by heating potassium in ammonia gas. It is most commonly used as a base to create a carbanion in the enolate chemistry
The potassium salt of hydrocyanic acid, KCN; the colourless crystals are soluble in water, and it is extremely poisonous, and is used in electroplating, the extraction of gold and silver from their ores, and in photography
a salt, KI, formally derived from potassium hydroxide and hydriodic acid, used as an analytical reagent, in organic synthesis, and in the preparation of photosensitive emulsions and as a radioprotector to protect the thyroid
The salt KNbO3; its crystals have a large nonlinear optical coefficient, and it find use in the manufacture of lasers; nanowires of the substance have been used to produce tunable coherent light
A naturally-occurring radioactive isotope of potassium, 4019K, having nineteen protons and twenty-one neutrons, and a half-life of 1.3 billion years; it is the chief source of natural radioactivity in living tissue
A method of estimating the age of igneous rocks or of archaeological objects by measuring the amount of argon that has built up through the radioactive decay of potassium
A white, acid, crystalline solid or powder, KHC, used in baking powder, in the tinning of metals, and as a component of laxatives. Also called cream of tartar
A colorless crystalline solid or powder, KCl, used widely in fertilizers and in the preparation of most potassium compounds. Also called potash muriate, potassium muriate
An extremely poisonous white compound, KCN, used in the extraction of gold and silver from ores, in electroplating, and in photography, and as a fumigant and insecticide
A caustic white solid, KOH, used as a bleach and in the manufacture of soaps, dyes, alkaline batteries, and many potassium compounds. Also called caustic potash, lye, potash
A transparent white crystalline compound, KNO, used to pickle meat and in the manufacture of pyrotechnics, explosives, matches, rocket propellants, and fertilizers. Also called saltpeter
a poisonous salt that forms dark purple crystals and is purple-red when dissolved in water; used as an oxidizing and bleaching agent and as a disinfectant and antiseptic
Method for determining the age of igneous rocks based on the amount of argon-40 in the rock. Radioactive potassium-40 decays to argon-40 with a half-life of about 1.3 billion years, making this method useful for dating rocks that are billions of years old. A more sophisticated method, called argon-argon dating, provides a more accurate estimate of the original potassium-40 content by means of the ratio of argon-40 to argon-39 in the rock, thus yielding a more accurate age determination. See also dating