Potassium Facts for Kids

Potassium Periodic Table
  • Name: Potassium
  • Symbol: K
  • Atomic Number: 19
  • Atomic Weight: 39.0983 u
  • Period: 4
  • Group: 1

25 Potassium Facts for Kids

  1. Potassium is a chemical element on the periodic table.
  2. Potassium is a soft metal that has a silvery-white color.
  3. Potassium was first discovered and isolated by Cornish chemist and inventor Humphry Davy in 1807.
  4. Potassium at room temperature is a solid.
  5. The symbol for potassium is K.
  6. The atomic number for potassium is 19.
  7. The standard atomic weight of calcium is 39.0983 u.
  8. Potassium is in the alkaline earth metal group on the periodic table.
  9. Potassium is a period 4 chemical element, which is the fourth row on the periodic table.
  10. Potassium is a group 1 chemical element, which is the lithium group.
  11. Potassium has three naturally occurring isotopes and they are 39K, 40K and 41K.
  12. The melting point for potassium is 143.6 °F (63.5 °C).
  13. The boiling point for potassium is 1,032 °F (759 °C).
  14. All living cells need potassium ions to function.
  15. Potassium is a vital electrolyte in the human body.
  16. Foods that contain potassium are fish, meats and vegetables.
  17. Foods that contain high levels of potassium are avocados, bananas, bran, milk and soybeans.
  18. There are many potassium compounds used for industrial purposes, and some that are produced by the megatons annually are potassium carbonate, potassium chloride, potassium hydroxide and potassium sulfate.
  19. There are quite a few potassium compounds that are used in food.
  20. The compound potassium sodium tartrate is the main component of baking powder.
  21. The compound potassium bromate is used to increase the strength of dough and improve its rise height.
  22. The compound potassium bisulfite is used as a food preservative in beverages, like wine and beer.
  23. The compound potassium chloride can be used to treat low blood pressure (Hypokalemia).
  24. Potassium is a common element in plant fertilizers.
  25. Potassium got its name from the Middle Dutch word “potash”.

Additional Resources on Potassium

  • Potassium – RSC – Discover more facts about the chemical element sodium on the Royal Society of Chemistry website.
  • Potassium – JLabs – Learn about the chemical element sodium on the Jefferson Science Education website.
  • Potassium – NIH – Find more cool sodium facts on the National Institute of Health website.
  • Potassium – Wikipedia – Explore the Wikipedia website to learn more about the chemical element potassium.

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