Chemical Elements History and Information Potassium

About the chemical element Potassium, its symbol, atomic number and weight, who discovered it and when.

The Atomic Elements and Their Uses

(Element) (Symbol) (Atomic number) (Atomic weight)

Potassium K 19 39.0983

Discovered by Sir Humphry Davy of England in 1807. Potassium is a dietary necessity. Potassium is necessary to maintain proper nerve and muscle activity in the body. Loss of potassium through excessive excretion of fluid causes muscle weakness, cramps, and lethargy. Potassium is found in sea salt, oranges, and bananas.