Periodic table / Potassium

Overview

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.

Electron configuration

The electron configuration of Potassium is [Ar] 4s1, with electron shells of 2, 8, 8, 1.

Physical and chemical properties

Potassium is classified as a alkali metal. It has an atomic mass of 39.098 and exists as a solid at standard conditions, appearing as silvery gray.

Real-world uses of Potassium

Like other alkali metals, Potassium is highly reactive and is mainly studied and used in chemical research, battery technology, and specialized industrial compounds rather than in its pure metallic form.

Interesting facts about Potassium

• Potassium has the atomic number 19 and chemical symbol K.
• It belongs to period 4, group 1 of the periodic table.
• Potassium was discovered by Humphry Davy.

Explore Potassium interactively

Want to compare Potassium with other elements or see it highlighted on the full table? Open the interactive periodic table and click on K to explore properties, trends, and neighboring elements. You can also test your knowledge with our periodic table quiz game.