| Origin of Name |
From the English word potash, meaning pot ashes, and the Arabic word qali,
meaning alkali. The symbol K comes from the Latin word kalium, meaning alkali. |
| Date and Place of Discovery |
In 1807 in London, England |
| Discovered by |
Sir Humphry Davy |
| Common Compounds |
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| Interesting facts |
- It was the first metal to be isolated using electrolysis.
- It catches fire when exposed to water.
- It burns with a violet flame.
- It is found in all living plant and animal cells.
- The human body uses it to promote regular heartbeat, help build muscles, help contract
muscles, regulate blood pressure, and control the water balance in body tissues and cells.
- A diet low in potassium and high in sodium can lead to high blood pressure.
|
| Common Uses |
- Soaps
- Glassware
- Matches
- Explosives
- Heat-transfer systems
- Helps human metabolism
- Medications
|
