Potassium is an element in the periodic table symbolized by the letter K. The atomic number of this element is 19. At room temperature this element is a solid. Potassium can be found in two forms: pure or compound. Pure potassium is described as a soft silvery-white alkali metal that oxidizes rapidly in air and is very reactive in water. However, potassium forms many compounds such as potassium chloride, which is the most common potassium compound (Gagnon, 1). This form of potassium is mostly used in fertilizers as a salt substitute. Another potassium compound is potassium hydroxide, which is used to make soap, detergents, and drain cleaners. Potassium carbonate is used to make some types of glass and soaps. This is also obtained as a byproduct of ammonia. Finally, potassium superoxide can create oxygen from water vapor and carbon dioxide. An example of this reaction is “2KO2 + H2O + 2CO2 => 2KHCO3 + O2” (Gagnon, 1). Gagnon also states that “it is used in respiratory equipment and is produced by burning potassium metal in dry air. Potassium nitrate (KNO3), also known as saltpeter or nitre, is used in fertilizers, match heads, and pyrotechnics” (Gagnon, 1). Sir Humphrey Davy discovered this element in England in 1807 (Helmenstine, 1). Steve Gagnon, page maintainer of the Jefferson Lab website, states, “Sir Humphry Davy first isolated potassium metal in 1807 through the electrolysis of molten caustic potash (KOH)” (Gagnon, 1). Gagnon further writes: “a few months after discovering potassium, Davy used the same method to isolate sodium. Potassium can be obtained from the minerals sylvite (KCl), carnallite (KCl·MgCl2·6H2O), langbeinite (K2Mg2(SO4)3) and polyhalite (K2Ca2Mg(SO4)4·2H2O). These minerals are often found in ancient... in the middle of paper... in the normal state, solid metal at room temperature. It is almost impossible to imagine people ingesting potassium in the form of pills and foods with health benefits. Works Cited Helmenstine, Anne M. "Everything You Need to Know About the Element Potassium." About.com Chemistry. Np, nd Web. April 22, 2014. (The author of this quote is valid because she has a doctorate in science.) Gagnon, Steven. "The element potassium." It's Elemental -. Np, nd Web. April 22, 2014. (This source is credible because it is a scientific educational website.) “Potassium: Heart Benefits and Side Effects.” WebMD. WebMD and Web. April 22, 2014. (This source is credible because it is a medical quote discussing health benefits or conditions.) File: Potassium.jpg. N.d. Wikimedia Commons. Network. April 22, 2014. (This source is credible because it is an image of the potassium I found).