potassium

Everyday

1. Potassium is a soft, silvery chemical element, a metal, with the symbol K. tree →
2. Potassium is also a mineral the body needs to keep the heart, muscles and nerves working, found in foods like bananas, potatoes and beans. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons, potassium reacts very strongly with water, fizzing and catching fire with a lilac flame, so it is kept under oil; only teachers handle it. In health and food lessons, bananas are famous for potassium. In gardening, plants need potassium from fertiliser to flower and fruit. Phrases: «rich in potassium», «potassium chloride».

Examples

• Bananas are a good source of potassium. tree →
• Potassium has the chemical symbol K. tree →
• The teacher dropped a tiny piece of potassium in water, and it burst into lilac flames. tree →
• Our bodies need potassium for healthy muscles. tree →
• Potassium is stored under oil because it reacts with air and water. tree →
• Tomato feed is rich in potassium. tree →

Note

Uncountable. The symbol K comes from its Latin name «kalium», a trap in science tests. Pronounced «po-TASS-ee-um». Safety: never handle pure potassium yourself.