Potasium. The work is to be 2 pages with three to five sources, with in-text citations and a reference page.
I will pay for the following article Potasium. The work is to be 2 pages with three to five sources, with in-text citations and a reference page.
POTASSIUM Potassium Potassium element plays a pivotal role in the body and plant systems. According to Roza, (2007), Humphrey Davy discovered the element 1807. He managed to isolate this element through electrolysis method making it the pioneer the use of this approach in isolation of other elements (Shaposhnik, 2007). To date, the element is acquired through electrolysis of hydroxide or chloride because it is not found freely in nature (Roza, 2007). It was until the eighteenth century that Potassium and sodium were distinguished.
Potassium is an essential dietary mineral. Regulation of potassium levels inside and outside of cells affect normal bodily functions. Potassium is a chemical element represented by the symbol K and atomic number 19. Elemental potassium is a silvery-white metal, oxidizes quickly in the air, and reacts with water (Shaposhnik, 2007). During reaction with water, hydrogen is emitted and the heat generated is sufficient to ignite the hydrogen and burns with a lilac flame (Woodford, 2002). Potassium and Lithium are the least dense known metals.
Interestingly the composition of the element makes up about 1.5% the earth crust’s weight. It is one of the most common mineral elements though it is rarely found naturally. It is found in crystalline form as feldspars or micas (Woodford, 2002).Roza (2007) ascribed that people used plant ash to make soap. Later on scientists discovered that plant ash is composed of potassium (Roza, 2007). The main applications of potash were the production of glass, soap, bleach, and gunpowder as potassium nitrate.
The discovery of potassium chloride mineral deposits in Germany led to the mass production of potassium-containing fertilizers.The humans require this element for proper functioning of the system. There are events that leads to abnormal functioning that relates to deficiency of the element for instance consumption of coffee, alcohol, severe stressing of the body, excess strenuous physical and using potassium-wasting diuretics deprives the system of this element leading to hypokalemia (Roza, 2007. Woodford, 2002).
Potassium deficiency leads to muscle weakness, severe fatigue, cardiac arrest, nervous disorders and poor reflexes can occur. Other conditions that influence the risk of hypokalemia include severe vomiting or diarrhea, abuse of laxatives, anorexia or bulimia, Magnesium deficiency and congestive heart failure. Excess potassium in the body could lead to dehydration. The kidneys regulate the concentration of potassium in the body (Roza, 2007. Woodford, 2002). Potassium is the most absorbed mineral element by plants than other mineral elements and is essential for growth and metabolic processes (Woodford, 2002).
Potassium and sodium work together for several purposes. The combination aids in the regulation of body waste, control heart rhythms, and blood pressure (Roza, 2007. Woodford, 2002). It also sends oxygen to the brain thus clear thinking. Being an electrolyte, it regulates the balance of fluids in cells, including blood.It helps the plants in the growth of vegetation. It regulates and maintains the body system. Therefore, having adequate quantities of potassium helps the system performs its functions accordingly.
It must be regulated, excessive or deficiency could be hazardous to health.In conclusion, potassium is a vital element for both animal and plants because it plays essential regulatory function. Deficiency of this element can lead to problems that would be costly to manage. Its discovery was a breakthrough not only for the medical and industrial application but also for subsequent studies that aims to improve living condition.Table showing the properties of potassium elementPhysical properties of the elementColourMetal with silvery and white colour (Roza, 2007. Woodford, 2002)M.
P (melting point)Very low levels of about 145oF or 63oC (Roza, 2007. Woodford, 2002)Phase Solid in natural stateDensity Its less dense compared with waterChemical properties of the elementCompounds K2CO3, KCN, KBrReaction with waterViolent reaction that liberates hydrogen gas (Roza, 2007. Woodford, 2002)Chemical formulaeKOxidation Oxidises rapidly when exposed in airReactivity The element easily reacts explosively with non metals (S, Cl, F, P, N) and acids (Roza, 2007. Woodford, 2002)Storage Stored under oil to prevent rapid oxidation when in contact with air (Roza, 2007. Woodford, 2002)ReferencesRoza G. (2007) Potassium: Understanding the elements of the periodic table.
New York: The Rosen Publishing Group.Shaposhnik, V. A. (2007). History of the discovery of potassium and sodium (on the 200th anniversary of the discovery of potassium and sodium). .Journal of Analytical Chemistry .62 .(11): 1100–2. .doi:10.1134/S1061934807110160.Woodford C. (2002) Potassium: Elements.
