Potassium is a highly reactive alkali metal whose ions are indispensable for nerves, muscles, and plant growth.
Atomic number
19
Category
Alkali metal
Period
4
Group
1
State
Solid
Fun facts about Potassium
Metallic potassium reacts violently with water.
Potassium ions are concentrated inside most animal cells.
Many potassium salts give a lilac flame colour.
Common uses of Potassium
Fertilisers
Speciality soaps
Laboratory reagents
Where Potassium sits in the periodic table
Potassium is classified as a alkali metal in period 4 and group 1 of the periodic table. Under the conditions represented in this reference, its state is solid.
Quick chemistry revision
For quick revision, pair the symbol K with atomic number 19 and the listed atomic mass 39.098. The summary, facts, and uses above keep those element properties together in one reference.