Contents
Key Stage 2
Meaning
Key Stage 3
Meaning
Potassium is a Group 1 element, on the Periodic Table, with an atomic number of 19.
About Potassium
Molecular Structure
- Potassium has the chemical formula 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 formula 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.