What are some facts about potassium?

Answer 1

Potassium is an element, atomic number 19 and the symbol K. Because the pure alkali metal oxidizes rapidly in air and water, it is normally found as an ionic salt. Potassium is found in seawater and in minerals such as feldspar. Caustic potash (potassium carbonate) was produced by heating the ashes of burned trees and leaves.

In the human body, potassium is an electrolyte (like sodium, but a larger molecule). It forms positively-charged ions in water solutions. Potassium is important in muscle control and the firing of neurons, as well as other cellular functions. Potassium is found abundantly in many foods, and is especially easy to obtain in fruits and vegetables.

* (for more on potassium in nutrition, see the related link)

Potassium is a solid metal at room temperature. Its electron configuration is 2.8.8.1. It burns with a purple/lilac flame, and is fairly reactive.

Answer 2

Foods high in potassium:

Food/serving size/potassium in mg

Apricots, dried10 halves407Avocados, raw1 ounce180Bananas, raw1 cup594Beets, cooked1 cup519Brussel sprouts, cooked1 cup504Cantaloupe1 cup494Dates, dry5 dates271Figs, dry2 figs271Kiwi fruit, raw1 medium252Lima beans1 cup955Melons, honeydew1 cup461Milk, fat free or skim1 cup407Nectarines1 nectarine288Orange juice1 cup496Oranges1 orange237Pears (fresh)1 pear208Peanuts dry roasted, unsalted1 ounce187Potatoes, baked,1 potato1081Prune juice1 cup707Prunes, dried1 cup828Raisins1 cup1089Spinach, cooked1 cup839Tomato products, canned sauce1 cup909Winter squash1 cup896Yogurt plain, skim milk8 ounces579

Potassium in Biology:

Potassium plays a large role in cell homeostasis. It is a major componant of cell channels, particularly in ion gradients.

As they play such a large role, there are many potassium linked health problems. For example, long Qt syndrome is a heart problem caused by deficient potassium in the heart membranes which can causes seizures, black outs, and cardiac arrest.

Answer 3

Potassium is important in our bodies, because it helps the kidneys to function normally.

Answer 4

bananas, potatoes and tomatoes.

Answer 5

It is a metal

Answer 6

the boiling point is really high.