A Visual Encyclopedia of the Periodic Table

31

Alkali Metals

Sweet potato

Banana

Avocado

Potassium-rich fertilizer

is easily absorbed by the soil

and boosts plant growth.

Soda water

contains potassium

compounds for

added flavour.

Saline drip

Soda water

Uses

This salt contains

potassium chloride,

which helps lower

blood pressure.

Potassium

solutions are used

to hydrate patients.

This cylinder contains

a compound called

potassium superoxide.

This soap contains

potassium hydroxide,

which is a cleaning agent.

This strengthened glass sheet

contains potassium nitrate.

Toughened

glass screen

Liquid soap

This explosive mixture

contains powdered

potassium nitrate.

Fer

tilizer

Po

ta

ss

iu

m-

ri

ch

(^) fo
od
Po
tas
sium (^) s
alt
potassium-rich food, such as bananas, root
vegetables, and avocados, which contain
potassium chloride. In tiny amounts, this
compound can enhance flavours, as it does
in soda water. It is also a healthy alternative
to sodium chloride, or common salt, and an
important ingredient in saline drips for
rehydrating patients who are seriously ill.
Potassium nitrate is a compound of
potassium, oxygen, and nitrogen, and is
found in gunpowder and toughened glass
screens for mobile phones.
Reb
re
at
he
r
Gunpowd
er
Ap
hth
ita
lit
e
A rebreather is a machine used by expert divers
so they can stay underwater for long periods.
5. The diver
breathes in
this oxygen.

1. Exhaled air, containing
   carbon dioxide, enters
   the rebreather.
   Mouthpiece


2. Oxygen
   flows out of
   the chamber.


3. Oxygen is
   produced in
   the chamber.
   REBREATHER


4. Carbon dioxide
   flows into the
   chamber and reacts
   with a compound
   called potassium
   superoxide.
   030-031_potassium.indd 31 02/12/16 9:59 pm