This article will characterize potassium fromin terms of physics and chemistry. The first of these sciences studies the mechanical and external properties of substances. And the second - their interaction with each other - is chemistry. Potassium is the nineteenth element in the periodic table. It belongs to alkaline metals. This article will consider the electronic formula of potassium, and its behavior with other substances, etc. It is one of the most active metals. The science that studies this and other elements is chemistry. Grade 8 provides for the study of inorganic substances and their properties. Therefore, this article will be useful for schoolchildren. So, let's begin.
Characteristics of potassium in terms of physics
It is a simple substance that under normalconditions is in a solid state of aggregation. The melting point is sixty-three degrees Celsius. This metal boils when the temperature reaches seven hundred and sixty one degrees Celsius. The substance in question has a silvery white color. It has a metallic sheen.
Potassium and chemistry
Let's start with the fact that potassium is a chemical elementwhich has a very high chemical activity. Even it cannot be stored in the open air, as it instantly begins to react with the substances surrounding it. Potassium is a chemical element that belongs to the first group and fourth period of the periodic table. It has all the properties that are characteristic of metals.
Interaction with simple substances
К ним относятся:oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, phosphorus, halogens (iodine, fluorine, chlorine, bromine). In order, consider the interaction of potassium with each of them. The interaction with oxygen is called oxidation. During this chemical reaction, potassium and oxygen are consumed in a molar ratio of four to one, resulting in the formation of an oxide of the metal in question in the amount of two parts. This interaction can be expressed using the following reaction equation: 4К + О2 = 2К2О. When burning potassium, you can observe a bright purple flame.
Interaction with complex substances
Characteristics of potassium in terms of chemistryprovides for the consideration of this topic. Complex substances with which potassium is able to react include water, acids, salts, oxides. With all of them, the metal in question reacts differently.
Potassium and water
This chemical element reacts violently with it.This forms hydroxide as well as hydrogen. If we take two moles of potassium and water, we get the same amount of potassium hydroxide and one mole of hydrogen. This chemical interaction can be expressed using the following equation: 2K + 2H2O = 2KOH = H2.
Reactions with acids
Since potassium is an active metal, it is easilydisplaces hydrogen atoms from their compounds. An example would be a reaction that occurs between the substance in question and hydrochloric acid. For its implementation, you need to take two moles of potassium, as well as acid in the same quantity. As a result, potassium chloride is formed - two moles and hydrogen - one mole. This process can be written as an equation: 2K + 2СІ = 2KSI + H2.
Potassium and oxides
With this group of inorganic substancesthe metal in question reacts only with significant heating. If an atom of a metal that is part of an oxide is more passive than the one we are talking about in this article, an exchange reaction takes place. For example, if you take two moles of potassium and one mole of cuprum oxide, then as a result of their interaction, you can get one pray for the oxide of the chemical element under consideration and pure cuprum. This can be shown in the form of such an equation: 2K + CuO = K2O + Cu. This is where the strong reducing properties of potassium appear.
Interaction with the bases
Potassium is able to react with hydroxidesmetals that are to the right of him in the electrochemical series of activity. In this case, its reducing properties are also manifested. For example, if you take two moles of potassium and one mole of barium hydroxide, then as a result of the substitution reaction, we get substances such as potassium hydroxide in an amount of two moles and pure barium (one mole) - it will precipitate. The presented chemical interaction can be displayed as the following equation: 2K + Ba (OH) 2 = 2KOH + Ba.
Reactions with salts
В данном случае калий все так же проявляет свои properties as a strong reducing agent. Replacing atoms of chemically more passive elements, it allows to obtain pure metal. For example, if two moles of three moles of potassium are added to aluminum chloride in an amount of two moles, then as a result of this reaction we obtain three moles of potassium chloride and two moles of aluminum. Express this process using the equation as follows: 3K + 2АІСІ3 = 3КСІ2 + 2АІ.
Reactions with fats
If you add potassium to any organicsubstance of this group, it will also displace one of the hydrogen atoms. For example, when stearin is mixed with the metal in question, potassium stearate and hydrogen are formed. The resulting substance is used for the manufacture of liquid soap. At this characteristic of potassium and its interactions with other substances ends.
Use of potassium and its compounds
Как и все металлы, рассматриваемый в данной The article is required for many processes in the industry. The main use of potassium occurs in the chemical industry. Due to its high chemical activity, pronounced alkali metal and reducing properties, it is used as a reagent for many interactions and the production of various substances. In addition, alloys with potassium content are used as coolants in nuclear reactors. Also considered in this article, the metal finds its application in electrical engineering. In addition to all of the above, it is one of the main components of fertilizers for plants. In addition, its compounds are used in a wide variety of industries. Thus, potassium cyanide is used in gold mining, which serves as a reagent for the extraction of valuable metals from ores. In the production of glass used potassium carbonate. Phosphates of the chemical element under consideration are components of various cleaning products and powders. In matches there is a chlorate of this metal. In the manufacture of films for old cameras used bromide considered element. As you already know, it is possible to get it by synthesizing potassium in the condition of high temperature. In medicine, the chloride of this chemical element is used. In soap making - stearate and other derivatives from fats.
Getting considered metal
Nowadays, potassium is mined in laboratories by twomain ways. The first is its recovery from hydroxide with sodium, which is even more chemically active than potassium. And the second is to get it from chloride, also with sodium. If you add to one pray potassium hydroxide the same amount of sodium, it forms by one pray alkali sodium and pure potassium. The equation for this reaction is as follows: KOH + Na = NaOH + K. For the second type of reaction, the chloride of the metal under consideration and sodium should be mixed in equal molar proportions. As a result, substances such as salt and potassium in the same ratio are formed. This chemical interaction can be expressed using the following reaction equation: КСІ + Na = NaCl + К.
Potassium structure
Атом данного химического элемента, как и всех the rest, consists of a nucleus, which contains protons and neutrons, as well as electrons that rotate around it. The number of electrons is always equal to the number of protons that are inside the nucleus. If any electron is disconnected or joined the atom, then it ceases to be neutral and turns into an ion. They are of two types: cations and anions. The first have a positive charge, and the second - negative. If an electron has joined the atom, then it turns into an anion, but if any of the electrons has left its orbit, the neutral atom becomes a cation. Since the serial number of potassium, according to the periodic table, nineteen, then the protons in the nucleus of this chemical element is the same. Therefore, we can conclude that there are nineteen electrons around the nucleus. The number of protons, which are contained in the structure of the atom, can be determined by subtracting the atomic mass number of the chemical element. So we can conclude that there are twenty protons in the potassium core. Since the metal in this article belongs to the fourth period, it has four orbits, in which electrons are evenly spaced, which are in motion all the time. The potassium scheme looks like this: there are two electrons in the first orbit, eight in the second; as well as on the third, on the last, fourth, orbit only one electron rotates. This explains the high level of chemical activity of this metal - its last orbit is not completely filled, so it tends to connect with any other atoms, as a result of which their electrons of the last orbits become common.
Where can I find this element in nature?
Так как он обладает чрезвычайно высокой chemical activity, then on the planet it is nowhere found in its pure form. It can be seen only as part of a variety of compounds. Mass fraction of potassium in the earth's crust is 2.4 percent. The most common minerals that contain potassium are salvinit and carnallite. The first has the following chemical formula: NaCl • KCl. It has a motley coloring and consists of many crystals of various colors. Depending on the ratio of potassium chloride and sodium, as well as on the presence of impurities, it may contain red, blue, pink, orange components. The second mineral - carnallite - looks like transparent, pale blue, light pink or pale yellow crystals. Its chemical formula is as follows: KCl • MgCl2 • 6H2O. He is a crystalline hydrate.
The role of potassium in the body, symptoms of deficiency and excess
He, along with sodium supports water-saltcell balance. He also participates in the transmission between the membranes of the nerve impulse. In addition, it regulates the acid-base balance in the cell and throughout the body as a whole. It takes part in metabolic processes, counteracts the occurrence of edema, is a part of the cytoplasm - about fifty percent of it - salts of the metal in question. The main signs that the body lacks potassium are edema, the occurrence of such diseases as dropsy, irritability and disturbances in the nervous system, inhibited reaction and memory impairment.
Foods high in trace element content
First of all, these are nuts, such as cashews,walnuts, hazelnuts, peanuts, almonds. Also a large amount of it is in the potato. In addition, potassium is found in dried fruits such as raisins, dried apricots, and prunes. Pine nuts are also rich in this element. Also, its high concentration is observed in legumes: beans, peas, lentils. Sea kale is also rich in this chemical element. One more products containing this element in large quantities are green tea and cocoa. In addition, it is in high concentration in many fruits, such as avocados, bananas, peaches, oranges, grapefruits, apples. Many cereals are rich in trace elements. This is primarily barley, as well as wheat and buckwheat groats. In parsley and Brussels sprouts, too, there is a lot of potassium. In addition, it is found in carrots and melons. Onions and garlic have a considerable amount of the chemical element under consideration. Chicken eggs, milk and cheese are also high in potassium. The daily rate of this chemical element for an average person is from three to five grams.
Conclusion
After reading this article, we can conclude thatPotassium is an extremely important chemical element. It is necessary for the synthesis of many compounds in the chemical industry. It is also used in many other industries. It is also very important for the human body, therefore, should regularly and in the required quantity to go there with food.
