Potassium

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Description

Potassium is a very reactive, silvery alkaline metal that is seldom used in the free metallic state. Of the few applications of potassium metal, the most important ones are the use of molten potassium as a coolant in nuclear reactors, thanks to its high thermal conductivity, and its use in NPK fertilisers aimed for healthy plant growth. Virtually all other applications refer to the use of one or another compound, the most popular of which is potassium superoxide, which is used for medical applications.

This material data has been provided by Matmatch.

"Typical" values were obtained via a literature search. "Predicted" values were imputed via artificial intelligence technology. While we have placed significant efforts in ensuring data accuracy, "typical" and "predicted" data should be considered indicative and verified by appropriate material testing. Please do contact us if additional information on the the predicted data method is required.
All metrics apply to room temperature unless otherwise stated. SI units used unless otherwise stated.
Equivalent standards are similar to one or more standards provided by the supplier. Some equivalent standards may be stricter whereas others may be outside the bounds of the original standard.

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Properties

General

PropertyTemperatureValue

Density

20.0 °C

0.86 g/cm³

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Mechanical

PropertyTemperatureValue

Elastic modulus

20.0 °C

3.53 GPa

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Hardness, Brinell

20.0 °C

0.36 [-]

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Poisson's ratio

20.0 °C

0.21 [-]

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Thermal

PropertyTemperatureValue

Melting point

63.38 °C

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Specific heat capacity

20.0 °C

757 J/(kg·K)

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Thermal conductivity

20.0 °C

100 W/(m·K)

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Electrical

PropertyTemperatureValue

Electrical resistivity

20.0 °C

7E-8 Ω·m

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