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.

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© 2004 Büro für angewandte Mineralogie · Dr. Stephan Rudolph · D-47918 Tönisvorst
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