Name :  Potassium
Symbol :  K
Atomic Number :  19
Atomic Weight :  39.0983
Specific Heat :  0.75 J/gK
Melting Point :  63.25°C
Vaporization :  79.870 kJ/mol
Boiling Point :  759.9°C
Electronegativity :  0.82
Density@293 K :  0.862 g/cm³
Discovered :  Sir Humphrey Davy, England, 1807
Description :  Soft, waxy, silver-white metal. Eighth most abundant element in the earth\'s crust (20,900 ppm). Occurs only in compounds.
Uses :  Used as potash in making glass & soap. Also as saltpeter, potassium nitrate (KNO3) to make explosives and to color fireworks in mauve. Formerly called kalium (K). Vital to function of nerve and muscle tissures.