Potassium

PROPERTIES, FUNCTION AND SOURCES OF POTTASSIUM

1. MINERAL POTASSIUM

2. Potassium was  discovered  by Sir Humphrey Davy at 1807 in England .   Origin of name : from the English word " potash " (pot ashes) and the Arabic word " qali " meaning alkali (the origin of the symbol K comes from the Latin word " kalium ") Potassium was isolated in 1807 by Sir Humphry Davy, who obtained it through the electrolysis of very dry molten caustic potash (KOH, potassium hydroxide). Potassium collected at the cathode. Potassium was the first metal isolated by electrolysis. HISTORY

3. Physical properties of Potassium The Physical properties of Potassium are the characteristics that can be observed without changing  the substance into another substance .  PROPERTIES Colour Silver white Phase Solid Melting points 63 C Boiling point 758.8 °C Density Less than water

4. Chemical Properties of Potassium They are the characteristics that determine how it will react with other substances or  change from one substance to another . Chemical properties are  only observable during a chemical reaction Chemical formula K Reactivity with water It reacts with water violently and gives off hydrogen gas Reactivity It reacts readily with all  acids  and with all non-metals, such as sulphur, chlorine, fluorine, phosphorus, and nitrogen Highly or explosively reactive Compounds Useful compounds include the  bromide , KBr, the cyanide, KCN, Potassium carbonate K2CO3 Substances containing potassium impart a purple colour to a flame Oxidation Rapidly oxidizes in air Alloys Alloyed with sodium as a cooling medium in nuclear reactors

5. The primary function of potassium in your body is to serve as an electrolyte.  Potassium is the main electrolyte inside your cell; along with the sodium outside your cells, it creates a phenomenon known as the membrane potential . The membrane potential allows an electrical current to pass from one cell to the next . Thus potassium play important role in contracts muscle fibers – including those of your heart – and transmits nerve signals. PHYSIOLOGICAL FUNCTION

6. Recommended dietary allowance guidelines vary depending on age. REQUIRMENT 0 days – 6 Months 400 mg /day 7 Months -12 Months 700 mg / day 1 Year – 3Years 3000 mg/day 4 Years – 5Years 3800 mg/ day 9 Years -13Years 4500 mg / day 13 Years - Adult 4700 mg/ day Lacting Womens 5100 mg / day

7. Rich sources-   Beans , dark leafy greens, potatoes, squash, yogurt, fish, avocados, mushrooms, and bananas.  Good sources- Avocado, beef, pork, poultry, nuts . Fair sources- Cereals, egg, fruit juices, milk, wine, yogurt SOURCES

8. Low potassium ( hypokalaemia ) Low potassium  levels ( hypokalaemia ) can cause  weakness  as cellular processes are affected. Low potassium causes Dehydration ,  diarrhoea ,  excessive sweating  ( hyperhidrosis ) and laxative abuse are common causes of low potassium levels. Symptoms of low potassium are . There may be more than one symptom involving the gastrointestinal  (GI) tract, kidneys, muscles, heart and nerves. Weakness,  tiredness , or cramping in arm or leg muscles, sometimes severe enough to cause inability to move arms or legs due to weakness (much like a paralysis) DEFICIENCY

9. Tingling or numbness Nausea  or  vomiting Abdominal  cramping,  bloating Constipation Palpitations  (feeling your heart beat irregularly) Passing large amounts of urine or feeling very thirsty most of the time Fainting  due to  low blood pressure Abnormal  psychological  behaviour:  depression , psychosis, delirium, confusion or hallucinations .

10. Potassium is a mineral that's crucial for life. Potassium is necessary for the  heart ,  kidneys , and other organs to work normally. Hence adequate amount of potassium in diet with or without  supplements , should be enough to keep you healthy. CONCLUSION

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