Electron configuration of potassium

The electron configuration of potassium is [Ar] 4s1. The configuration of potassium is carried out according to the rules derived from Klechkovskaya, namely: Ar: 4s1, taking into account that it is by the configuration of the elements that the way in which the electrons are structured in the atoms of the element is determined.

Potassium is part of period 4 of the periodic table, so it has four Electron levels, where each has different types of sublevels.

It occurs as a chemical element with a silvery-white color and is distinguished by its atomic number 19, presenting at the same time the position number 19 in the periodic table.

The electron configuration of potassium

potassium electrons

It has a total of 19 electrons, which are distributed as follows:

• 2 electrons in the first shell.
• 8 electrons in the second shell.
• 8 electrons in the third shell.
• 1 electron in the fourth shell.

It has a K as its atomic symbol and is part of the group of alkaline metals, being the natural state in which it can be found in nature, the solid state. Likewise, it has a body-centered cubic crystal structure.

This chemical element was discovered by Sir Humphry Davy in 1807, a famous man who also collaborated in the discovery of other elements such as aluminum, silicon, magnesium, sodium, chlorine, fluorine, etc. , who came to isolate it by electrolysis using potassium hydroxide.

Properties of potassium

This element is part of the alkali metals, which are distinguished because they have only one electron in their outermost energy level, which is usually lost, thus creating a mono-positive ion.

Potassium has a very low ionization energy and very low electron affinity. It has a melting point of 336.53 degrees Kelvin and a boiling point of around 1032 degrees K.

potassium isotopes.

Potassium has a total of 16 isotopes, three of which are naturally occurring: 39K, 40K, and 41K. The 40K isotope, which has a half-life of about 1.278 times 109, eventually decays into the 40Ar isotope.

By using this disintegration as a method of dating rocks, we know the approximate age of certain minerals such as niotite, volcanic feldspar, muscovite, etc.

Characteristics of potassium.

• It has an average radius of 220 pm, a covalent radius of 196 pm, and an atomic or Bohr radius of 243 pm.
• It is identified by the letter K in the periodic table and by the atomic number 19.
• It has an atomic weight of 39.0983
• It reacts violently on contact with water, in which case it produces hydrogen.
• Its melting point is 65.5 degrees Celsius and its boiling point is 759 degrees Celsius.
• It oxidizes very quickly when exposed to air.
• It is a soft solid in its natural form, which cuts easily.
• It is the 5th lightest and lightest metal.
• It comes in the form of a soft solid that is easy to cut.
• It is stored under a liquid, such as paraffin, which does not react.
• It has a low melting point.
• It is widely used in photoelectric cells.