Why is there a K for potassium on the periodic table?

Answer 1

Like many element symbols that don't seem to make any sense whatsoever (I.e., Gold=Au, Silver=Ag, etc...), an element's symbol is derived from their Latin Name. The symbol P is being used by the element Phosphorous, so Potassium's symbol is K, for it's latin name, kalium, which means "potash".

Answer 2

Because K means Kalium that is the Latin Name for Potassium.

Answer 3

The reason K stands for Potassium is because it was originally called Kalium. Kalium is Latin and to make it easier for people who speak English they changed it to Potassium.

Answer 4

Because its the first letter of potassiums latin name.

Answer 5

It has something to do with acient naming, like Ferium is iron (Fe).

Answer 6

Because thats the chemical name for potassium.