Potassium+2


 * Potassium (K)**



Different companies can be hired to dispose of potassium waste. Often hazardous chemical waste is placed in sealed containers and stored. It is suggested that 2 to 2.5 grams of potassium a day be consumed for good nutrition. Most Americans consume between 2 and 6 grams of potassium each day. High exposures to potassium may cause a build up of fluid in the lungs, which can cause death.
 * Chemical characteristics of the element:** Potassium is an alkali metal. It is highly reactive and must be stored in oil to keep from oxidizing. When reacting with water it makes fire and when reacting with air it oxidizes and turns a gray color.
 * Physical characteristics of the element:** It is the least dense metal that can be found. It has a silver-white color and can be cut fairly easily. It is also described as soft and waxy.
 * Where is this element found in nature?:** Potassium is the seventh most abundant metal. It makes up 1.5% of the earths crust. It can be found within other substances such as Sylvite, langbeinite, carnallite, and polyhalite which form deposits in ancient lake and sea beds. It is also found in soils, although a procedure must be done to obtain a pure form of it.
 * How is the element recovered and purified?:** Potassium is produced commercially. It is abstracted by a thermochemical process where molten potassium chloride is reacted with sodium vapor. Also, the metal may be produced electrolytically from fused potassium hydroxide. This process requires electrical current to create a reaction and sepperate the substances.
 * How do we use the element?:** Potassium compounds are widely used in Industry and to produce different goods.
 * What products are made from the element?:** Potassium is used to form many important compounds such as potassium chloride which is used in fertilizers, a salt substitue, and to make other chemicles. Pottasium hydroxide is used for soaps, detergents, and drain cleaners. Potassium nitrate is used in fertilizers, match heads, pyrotechics, and gunpowder.
 * How are these products used?:** These products can be used for a variety of purposes. They can be used for gardining, cleaning dishes and various items, lighting a fire, and for shooting a gun or creating explosives.
 * Who uses the products?:** Regular everyday consumers, maids, pyrotechnicians.
 * Are there any environmental concerns due to this use?:** Potassium is required for plant growth and only effects the environment when there are low levels of it. It is in some products that are harmful to the environment but it itself does not cause any environmental concerns.
 * How are waste products disposed of?:**
 * Is the element an important nutrient for human health?: If yes:**
 * What are the nutritional requirements?:**
 * What are the side effects of either consuming too much or not enough?:**


 * Bibliography:**

"| Potassium | Essential information." WebElements Periodic Table of the Elements. Web. 23 Nov. 2009. .

"It's Elemental - The Element Potassium." Science Education at Jefferson Lab. Web. 23 Nov. 2009. .

"What is Potassium Used For." //Buzzle Web Portal: Intelligent Life on the Web//. Web. 23 Nov. 2009. .