K

    Potassium

    Alkali Metal

    Atomic Number: 19 • Atomic Mass: 39.0980 u • Period: 4 • Group: 1

    Electron Configuration: 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 4s¹
    Phase: Solid
    Electronegativity: 0.82

    History

    Potassium has been known since ancient times

    Historical Timeline

    Isolated by electrolysis of caustic potash (KOH)

    Potassium compounds have been known since ancient times

    The element's name comes from 'potash', which refers to plant ashes soaked in water in a pot