K
Potassium
Alkali MetalAtomic 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