What are the uses of potassium?

Answer 1

from Encarta: Potassium metal is used in photoelectric cells. Potassium forms many compounds resembling corresponding sodium compounds, based on a valence of 1. A few of the element's most important compounds follow. Potassium bromide (KBr), a white solid formed by the reaction of potassium hydroxide and bromine, is used in Photography, engraving, and lithography, and in medicine as a sedative. Potassium chromate (K2CrO4), a yellow crystalline solid, and potassium bichromate, or potassium dichromate (K2Cr2O7), a red crystalline solid, are powerful oxidizing agents used in matches and fireworks, in textile dyeing, and in leather tanning. Potassium iodide (KI), a white crystalline compound that is very soluble in water, is used in photography for preparing Gelatin emulsions and in medicine for the treatment of rheumatism and overactivity of the thyroid gland. Potassium nitrate (KNO3), a white solid prepared by fractional crystallization of sodium nitrate and potassium chloride solutions, is used in matches, explosives, and fireworks, and in pickling meat. It occurs naturally as saltpeter. Potassium permanganate (KMnO4), a purple crystalline solid, is used as a disinfectant and germicide and as an oxidizing agent in many important chemical reactions. Potassium sulfate (K2SO4), a white crystalline solid, is an important potassium fertilizer and is also used in the preparation of potassium alum. Potassium hydrogen tartrate (KHC4H4O6), commonly known as cream of tartar, is a white solid used in baking powder and in medicine.

Answer 2

Why do you need potassium? Potassium is responsible for the function of cells. It has also been shown effective at reducing blood pressure. In addition, it is responsible for the functions of muscles. Potassium is necessary for fluid balance in our body. Without potassium you will die. It is responsible for your heart beating and the movement of your muscles.

Answer 3

Pottasium is used in glassware, matches, and explosives. It is in foods such asbananas

It is primarily used in fertilizers as either the chloride, sulfate or carbonate - not as the oxide.
* Potassium hydroxide is an important industrial chemical used as a strong base.
* Potassium nitrate is used in gunpowder (black powder). An older term for KNO3 is saltpeter.
* Potassium carbonate, known as potash, is used in glass manufacturing.
* Glass treated with liquid potassium is much stronger than regular glass.
* Potassium vapor is used in several types of magnetometers.
* Nak (usually pronounced "nack"), an alloy of sodium and potassium which is liquid at room temperature, is used as a heat transfer medium. It can also be used as a desiccant for producing dry and air-free solvents.
* Potassium is an essential component needed in plant growth and is found in most soil types.
* In animal cells potassium ions are vital to keeping cells alive (see Na-K pump)
* Potassium chloride is used as a substitute for table salt and is also used to stop the heart, e.g. in cardiac surgery and in executions by lethal injection in a solution.
* The superoxide KO2 is used as a portable source of oxygen and as a carbon dioxide absorber. It is useful in portable respiration systems.
* Potassium bisulfite (KHSO3) is used as a food preservative (but not in meats), bleaching of textiles and straw, wine and beer-making and in the tanning of leathers.
* Potassium bromate (KBrO3) is used as a flour improver (E924).
* Potassium bromide (KBr) is used in photographic film and in engraving.
* Potassium chromate (K2CrO4) is used in dyes and stains (bright yellowish-red colour), in explosives and fireworks, in safety matches, in the tanning of leather and in fly paper.
* Potassium fluorosilicate (K2SiF6) is used in specialized glasses, ceramics, enamels and as an insecticide.
* Potassium pyrophosphate (K4P2O7) is used in soaps and detergents.
* Potassium sodium tartrate, or Rochelle salt (KNaC4H4O6) is used in baking powder, medicine and in the silvering of mirrors.

Many potassium salts are very important, and include: potassium bromide, potassium carbonate, potassium chlorate, potassium chloride, potassium chromate, potassium cyanide, potassium dichromate, potassium iodide, potassium nitrate, potassium sulfate.

Answer 4

Potassium Is used for a lot! Its used in Soap, Glass, and Medications to clear your nose. Potassium even helps your Metabolism!

Answer 5

potassium is used in fireworks, explosions, nuclear reactors, matches, soap, glass, etc.

Answer 6

The four mane uses of potassium are 1 for belching 2 eating 3 carbs 4 for if your constipated.

Answer 7

eat it, rub it all over you, pour it on someone as a prank, create potassium iodide, become rich.

Answer 8

See this link.

Answer 9

Soap, glass, and china production