Concept in Definition ABC

Potassium it's a chemical element essential and that like so many others integrates the periodic table, which is the instrument that classifies, organizes and distributes them. To this metal alkaline It is symbolized with the uppercase letter K and the atomic number, which is the total number of protons that the atom has, corresponding to it is 19.

It is characterized by its silvery white color, for being light, light and it is possible to find it in abundance in nature, especially in those elements related to salt water and minerals.

On the other hand, as it is a fairly soft solid, it can be cut even with a knife with great simplicity.

It is worth noting that in the air It tends to oxidize very quickly, it has a lot of reaction, especially to water, since it is an alkali metal, being capable of releasing hydrogen and chemically it is close to sodium.

Potassium has a significant number of applications, for example: for photoelectric cells, for fertilizers, to manufacture gunpowder, crystals, to predispose to a

unemployment cardiac in lethal injections, among others.

Potassium is also a very important element in the diet of living beings because it participates in the maintenance of Balance water, the osmotic balance between cells and interstitial fluid and acid-base balance; in muscle contraction and regulation of neuromuscular activity.

It is possible to find it in vegetables such as broccoli, aubergine, cauliflower and beet and in fruits such as banana, cherry, plum, among others. Meanwhile, its low presence in the body of some living beings can cause a condition known as hypokalemia, when the value is below 3.5 and detected by a blood test.

Potassium is also very important in the development of plants because the ion potassium is present in most soils.

The name is due to English chemist Humphry Davy who discovered it in 1807 after isolating it for the first time by electrolysis of potassium hydroxide.

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