Potassium questions and quantity in some food content

The Chemistry of Potassium: Unveiling Its Properties and Applications

1. What is the atomic number of potassium?

Answer: The atomic number of potassium is 19, indicating that it has 19 protons in its nucleus.

2. What is the symbol for potassium?

Answer: The chemical symbol for potassium is K, derived from its Latin name "kalium."

3. What is the electronic configuration of potassium?

Answer: The electronic configuration of potassium is 2-8-8-1, following the distribution of electrons in its energy levels.

4. Is potassium a metal or a non-metal?

Answer: Potassium is a metal, belonging to Group 1 (Alkali metals) of the periodic table.

5. What are the physical properties of potassium?

Answer: Potassium is a soft, silvery-white metal with a low density and a melting point of 63.38°C.

6. What are the common uses of potassium?

Answer: Potassium is commonly used in fertilizer production, as a nutrient for plants, and in the manufacturing of soaps, glass, and other industrial products.

7. What is the role of potassium in the human body?

Answer: Potassium is essential for various bodily functions, including muscle contractions, nerve signaling, and maintaining proper fluid balance.

8. What are the sources of potassium in our diet?

Answer: Potassium can be obtained from various food sources, including bananas, oranges, spinach, potatoes, and yogurt.

9. What happens when potassium reacts with water?

Answer: When potassium reacts with water, it vigorously produces hydrogen gas and forms potassium hydroxide (KOH).

10. What are the safety precautions when handling potassium?

Answer: When handling potassium, it is important to wear protective gloves and goggles as it reacts violently with water and can cause severe burns.

According to the USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference Legacy (2018), here are the potassium contents in milligrams (mg) of the following foods per standard portion

- Dates: 696 mg per 1 cup, chopped

Beef: 318 mg per 3 oz, cooked

Peanut: 240 mg per 1 oz

Mushrooms: 529 mg per 1 cup, cooked

Banana: 422 mg per 1 medium

Bread: 77 mg per 1 slice

Cheese: 28 mg per 1 slice

Cauliflower: 320 mg per 1 cup, raw

Cabbage: 196 mg per 1 cup, raw

Peanut butter: 208 mg per 2 tbsp

Mango: 323 mg per 1 cup, sliced

Almond: 208 mg per 1 oz

Milk: 366 mg per 1 cup

Salmon: 534 mg per half fillet, cooked

Blueberries: 114 mg per 1 cup

Grapes: 288 mg per 1 cup

Strawberry: 233 mg per 1 cup, sliced

Rice: 55 mg per 1 cup, cooked

Cucumber: 152 mg per 1 cup, sliced

Tomato: 427 mg per 1 cup, chopped or sliced

Carrot: 410 mg per 1 cup, raw

Chicken: 218 mg per half breast, cooked

Broccoli: 457 mg per 1 cup, cooked

Watermelon: 170 mg per 1 cup, diced

Apple 159 mg per 1 medium

Potatoes 926 mg per 1 medium, baked with skin

Eggs 69 mg per 1 large

(1) Nutrients: Potassium, K(mg) - National Agricultural Library. URL.

(2) Potassium - Health Professional Fact Sheet - Office of Dietary .... URL.

(3) Food Sources of Potassium | Dietary Guidelines for Americans. URL

(4) Food Sources of Select Nutrients | Dietary Guidelines for Americans. URL