NO. 019Alkali

K

Potassium

Potassium is a soft, highly reactive Alkali essential for biological functions such as muscle contraction and nerve signaling. It reacts violently with water and oxygen. Potassium compounds are widely used in fertilizers, food production, and chemical industries.

Potassium

Technical Specifications

Atomic Mass39.098 u
Density0.862 g/cm³
Melting Point336.5 K
Boiling Point1032 K
Atomic Radius227 pm
Electronegativity0.82
Ionization Energy419 kJ/mol
Electron Affinity48.4 kJ/mol
Bonding TypeMetallic
Oxidation States1
Acid/BaseBasic
ReactivityHigh

Electron Configuration

[Ar] 4s1

Discovered ByHumphry Davy
Year1807

Known Isotopes

Potassium-39Potassium-40Potassium-41