Potassium:
Potassium is a mineral present in our body's tissues. It has also known as electrolyte. So, it performs functions in carrying nerve impulses.
. Chemical composition:
- It is a soft metal, it can be cut by a knife.
- It is Silvery white metal.
- Its symbol is K.
- Its atomic mass in periodic table is 39.0983 u.
- Its atomic number in periodic table is 19.
- Its melting point is 63.5 °C.
- Its boiling point is 758.8 °C.
- Its CAS ID is 7440-09-7.
- Its MDL number is MFCD00133776.
- Its electronegativity difference is 0.82.
- It is the second-lightest metal on earth.
. History of potassium:
- Sir Humphry Davy, the English chemist was the first person who discovered Potassium.
- He isolated Potassium in 1807, at the Royal Institution in London.
- Potassium was the first metal which is isolated by electrolysis method.
- The name of the potassium is derived from the English word "Potash" or "Pot Ashes".
- Potassium is found in Caustic potash.
- Potassium symbol K is derives from Latin word "Kalium" or by Arabic word "Qali" which means Alkali.
. Sources of Potassium:
- Broccoli
- Avocado
- Sweet potatoes
- White beans
- Bok choy
- Spinach
- Beets
- Brussels sprouts
- Cantaloupe
- Banana
- Lima beans
- Pinto beans
- Lentils
- Nuts and seeds
- Winter squash
- Oats
- Yogurt
- Grape fruits
. Functions of potassium in human body:
- Potassium maintains the level of our body fluids.
- It maintains normal blood pressure.
- It helps in the proper digestion.
- It maintains normal functioning of nervous system.
- It controls muscles contractions.
- It regulates our heartbeat.
. Deficiency diseases of potassium in human body:
- High blood pressure
- Constipation
- Muscles damage
- Fatigue
- Abnormal heart rhymes
- Spasms
- Numbness
Tags
Minerals