Potassium Chemical Element - Essay Example

To date, the element is acquired through the 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 affects 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% of the earth's 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.

Humans require this element for the proper functioning of the system. There are events that lead 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.

Potassium discovery was a breakthrough not only for medical and industrial application but also for subsequent studies that aims to improve living conditions.