Potassium

Key Stage 2

Meaning

Potassium is a metal.

Key Stage 3

Meaning

The chemical symbol for Potassium.

Potassium is a Group 1 element, on the Periodic Table, with an atomic number of 19.

About Potassium

Molecular Structure

Potassium has the chemical symbol K.

Potassium atoms join together in large numbers to form a giant metal molecule.

Atomic Structure

Potassium has 19 protons and 20 neutrons in its nucleus giving it an Atomic Number of 19 and an atomic mass of 39.

An atom of Potassium has only 1 electron in its outer shell.

Properties

Potassium is a more reactive alkali metal than Sodium but less reactive than Rubidium.

Potassium is more reactive than Carbon on the reactivity series so it must be extracted from its ore using electrolysis.

Potassium oxidises quickly in the presence of Oxygen so it must be stored in oil.

Potassium reacts strongly with water to produce Hydrogen gas and Potassium Hydroxide.

Potassium is a solid at room temperature.

Key Stage 4

Meaning

Potassium is a Group 1 element, on the Periodic Table, with 19 protons in the nucleus.

About Potassium

Molecular Structure

Potassium has the chemical symbol K.

Potassium atoms join together in a giant metallic structure.

Atomic Structure

The most stable isotope of Potassium has 20 neutrons in its nucleus giving it an atomic mass of 39.

An atom of Potassium has only 1 electron in its outer shell.

Potassium ions have lost an electron to become positively charged.

Properties

Potassium is a more reactive alkali metal than Sodium but less reactive than Rubidium.

Potassium is more reactive than Carbon on the reactivity series so it must be extracted from its ore using electrolysis.

Potassium oxidises quickly in the presence of Oxygen so it must be stored in oil.

Potassium reacts strongly with water to produce Hydrogen gas and Potassium Hydroxide.

Potassium is a solid at standard temperature and pressure with a melting point of 63.5 °C.

References

AQA

Potassium, pages 42-4, 134, 275, 285, 346, GCSE Chemistry; Student Book, Collins, AQA

Potassium; chloride, pages 44, 71, GCSE Chemistry; Student Book, Collins, AQA

Potassium; dichromate (VI), page 243, GCSE Chemistry; Student Book, Collins, AQA

Potassium; hydroxide, pages 148-9, GCSE Chemistry; Student Book, Collins, AQA

Potassium; iodide, page 115, GCSE Chemistry; Student Book, Collins, AQA

Potassium; oxide, page 35, GCSE Chemistry; Student Book, Collins, AQA

Potassium; sulphide, page 91, GCSE Chemistry; Student Book, Collins, AQA

Potassium-40, page 122, GCSE Physics; Student Book, Collins, AQA