Potassium is a chemical element with symbol K (derived from Neo-Latin, kalium) and atomic number 19. It was first isolated from potash, the ashes of plants, from which its name is derived. In the Periodic table, potassium is one of seven elements in column (group) 1 (alkali metals):they all have a single valence electron in their outer electron shell, which they readily give up to create an atom with a positive charge - a cation, and combine with anions to form salts.
Three reasons Potassium stands out
- 1
Important for nerve function in living organisms.
- 2
A naturally occurring radioactive isotope of this element contributes to background radiation inside your own body.
- 3
Its ions are essential for regulating the rhythm of the human heartbeat.
The ion behind every heartbeat
Potassium metal cannot be left in air or water, but potassium ions are indispensable inside cells. Carefully controlled flows of those ions help nerves signal and heart muscle reset between beats. Plants also require large amounts, which is why potassium compounds are a major component of fertilizer.