![]() ![]() Potassium nitrate, a compound of potassium, nitrogen, and oxygen is used in fireworks, gunpowder, and explosives.It is found in abundance in the Dead Sea. Potash, a mineral source of commercial potassium, is mined in many places like Germany, California, Mexico, and Canada, to name a few.Around 2.4% of the Earth’s crust is made up of this metal.It is the second lightest metal after lithium.It’s density is less than the density of water and it is insoluble in water.That’s why, it is stored in hydrocarbons like petrol and kerosene. ![]() Also, the hydrogen released in the process reacts with oxygen and ignition occurs. This reaction accompanies a lot of heat and potassium burns with a purple blue flame. ![]() It reacts violently with water to form a colorless compound of potassium hydroxide solution and hydrogen gas.Potassium chloride (KCl) is an alternative for people who are advised to decrease the intake of sodium chloride (salts in our diet).It does not occur in a free state in nature but it is an important part of many chemical compounds.Potassium is a soft solid and can be cut with a knife!.This element is represented chemically by the symbol ‘K’. Humphry isolated potassium by the electrolysis of caustic potash (KOH). Potassium was discovered by the English chemist Sir Humphry Davy in 1807. Electropositive metals or elements are the ones that have a high tendency to lose electron(s) and form ions. This imparts potassium an electropositive characteristic just like alkali metals. ![]() As we can see from the electronic configuration of potassium, it has a valence electron in the 4s orbital. It is placed in the 1st group and 4th period of the periodic table and has the electronic configuration of 1s 22s 22p 63s 23p 64s 1. It has the atomic number 19 and its atomic weight is 39.0983. Calcium gluconate may be used temporarily to stabilize the heart and reduce the risk of serious heart complications from hyperkalemia.Potassium is a chemical element that is silvery-white in appearance. These help to transport potassium from the blood to cells for removal.Īn albuterol inhaler can also lower dangerously high levels. This treatment is the preferred for cases of kidney failure.įor people with healthy kidneys, a doctor might recommend insulin and glucose. Severe cases may require more complex treatments. Other methods include diuretics or an enema. Mild cases of hyperkalemia can be treated with prescription medications that increase potassium excretion. Only people with normal kidney function can use potassium-sparing diuretics. But, some diuretics and potassium supplements can be harsh on the digestive tract.Īsk a doctor for wax-coated pills to help prevent digestive issues. This will help normalize electrolyte levels. Potassium-sparing diuretics can rid the body of excess sodium. Severe hypokalemia may require IV treatment, especially if you’re experiencing an abnormal heartbeat. Supplements are mostly effective if your kidneys are in good shape. Potassium supplements are usually the first course of action for levels that are too low. There are different treatments for imbalanced potassium levels that depend on if your levels are too high or too low. Your doctor may also order an electrocardiogram of your heart and an arterial blood gas test to measure pH levels in your body. Hypokalemia is usually diagnosed with a blood test. However, severe deficiencies can be life-threatening. For example, if you sweat a lot from a hard workout, your potassium levels may normalize after eating a meal or drinking electrolytes before any damage is done. The symptoms of hypokalemia are different depending on how severe your deficiency is.Ī temporary decrease in potassium may not cause any symptoms.
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