Potassium (K)

About Potassium

Potassium is a chemical element with the symbol K and atomic number 19, meaning every atom has 19 protons in its nucleus. It is classed as Alkali metal and is a solid at room temperature. Its atomic mass is about 39.098 atomic mass units (u).

On the periodic table, Potassium sits in group 1, period 4, which determines how many electron shells it has and how it tends to react with other elements.

Uses of Potassium

In daily life and industry, Potassium is used for Fertilizer, body electrolyte. These uses are closely tied to the typical properties of elements in the Alkali metal category.

Electron Structure of Potassium

Using a simplified electron shell model (at most 2 electrons in the first shell, 8 in the second, 18 in the third, and so on), Potassium has 3 electron shells, with an approximate arrangement of 2, 8, 9 electrons from the innermost shell to the outermost. This is a simplified learning model, not the full electron configuration that accounts for the s, p, d and f subshells.

Explore Other Elements

Want to see another element or try the element symbol quiz? Go back to the Interactive Periodic Table to explore all 118 chemical elements.

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