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Potassium is a chemical element; it has symbol K (from Neo-Latin kalium) and atomic number 19. It is a silvery white metal that is soft enough to easily cut with a knife. [8] Potassium metal reacts rapidly with atmospheric oxygen to form flaky white potassium peroxide in only seconds of exposure.
Potassium easily loses the single 4 s electron, so it normally has an oxidation state of +1 in its compounds, although compounds that contain the anion, K −, can also be made. Potassium, chemical element of the alkali metal group that is essential for life, is present in all soils, and is denoted by chemical symbol K.
Potassium is the major cation (positive ion) inside animal cells, while sodium is the major cation outside animal cells. The concentration differences of these charged particles causes a difference in electric potential between the inside and outside of cells, known as the membrane potential.
Potassium is the main intracellular ion for all types of cells, while having a major role in maintenance of fluid and electrolyte balance. [ 1 ] [ 2 ] Potassium is necessary for the function of all living cells and is thus present in all plant and animal tissues.
Potassium (K +) is the primary intracellular (IC)IC ion in the body and serves to maintain the resting membrane potential. IC levels are around 140 mmol/L, and extracellular (EC)EC levels 4 mmol/L.
Potassium ions are found in all cells. It is important for maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance. Plant cells are particularly rich in potassium, which they get from the soil.
Potassium is an essential mineral and the primary intracellular cation in the human body. The primary indication for potassium administration is to treat hypokalemia, a condition in which serum potassium levels fall below the critical range.