Home 19 K Potassium back to the periodic table
 
Atomic number   19
Symbol   K
Atomic weight   39.0983
Density [g/cm3]   0.86
Melting point [°C]   63.3
Boiling point [°C]   774
1st Ionization energy [eV]   4.341
Electronic configuration   [Ar] 4s
Oxidation number (most stable)   1
Atomic radius [pm]   227
Ionic radius [pm]   138 (1+)
Abundance in crustal rocks [ppm]   18400
Origin of the name   (engl.) potash and (arab.) kalja = alkali (the origin of the symbol K comes form (lat.) kalium)
Discovery   1807 by Humphry Davy
Uses   for the production of fertilizers, soaps as well as cooling agents in nuclear reactors.
This page in German - Diese Seite in Deutsch
 © 2004 Büro für angewandte Mineralogie · Dr. Stephan Rudolph · D-47918 Tönisvorst
These recommendations are believed to be correct. However, no guarantee of their accuracy is given. Therefore, purchasers shall make their own tests to determine suitability for their use. These products are offered for industrial and related uses (e.g. research and development) only. However the user must take the necessary precautions appropriate for products containing chemicals. This description does not imply the absence of any patents, the responsibility whatsoever solely rests with the user.