Does Potassium Conduct Electricity? 9 Facts You Should Know

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Potassium is found in potatoes, soybeans, apricots, orthoclase, etc. Let us see the electrical conductivity of potassium and various facts about it.

The potassium conducts electricity as it dissociates ions in an aqueous solution. It has one valence electron in the 4s orbital that helps it to conduct electricity. It loses its outermost electron and becomes positively charged. The agile potassium ions drift in the solution and generate electricity.

Potassium is an essential mineral in the human body. It is also used in agriculture, vegetable plantation, dyes, matches, inks, etc. We shall further elaborate on how potassium conducts electricity and discuss its conductivity. We shall also discuss the electrical conductivity of different potassium components.

How does potassium conduct electricity?

The element is capable of conducting electricity due to the presence of free mobile electrons. Let us see how potassium conducts electricity in the presence of valence electrons.

The potassium conducts electricity by dissociating the positive ions in the aqueous solution. Inserting the cathode and anode in this aqueous solution converts the potassium’s chemical energy into electric energy. These ions move to get collected at the electrode end and generate a flow through the conducting specimen.

Electrical Conductivity of Potassium

The ability of the matter to generate electric current flow and produce electricity is called electrical conductivity. Let us talk about the electrical conductivity of potassium.

The electrical conductivity of potassium is 0.14 × 106 / cm. Ώ and is the inverse of its resistivity. The formula used to calculate the conductivity of potassium is given as σ = 1/ ρ = l/RA, where σ is the conductivity, ρ is the resistivity, R is resistance, and A is the area. It is inversely related to resistance.

Why is potassium a better conductor than sodium?

The conductivity of every metal varies, and the electrical conductivity of potassium is better than sodium. Let us discuss the reason behind the same in detail.

Potassium is a better conductor than sodium because the outermost electrons of K can easily be dissociated compared to Na atoms. The outermost electrons of Na lie in the 3s orbital, while that of K lie in the 4s orbital. The electron-neutron interaction force is less in the case of K and hence can be easily released.

Why can’t potassium be used in electrical wires?

Potassium is a good conductor of electricity but is not pertinent for electrical wires. Let us understand the reason behind this fact.

Potassium cannot be used in electrical wires because it reacts easily with air and water. If it accidentally reacts with water, it produces hydrogen gas which is highly reactive in the atmosphere. The hydrogen gas catches fire easily and can cause a huge explosion; thus, potassium is not used in electrical wires.

Does potassium conduct electricity as a liquid?

Many matters conduct electricity in liquid and molten form. Let us ponder on the electrical conductivity of potassium in its liquid form of state.

Potassium conducts electricity in a liquid form because the potassium ions can easily dissociate into liquid. The potassium ions are free in liquid matter as the intermolecular spacing in the aqueous liquid form is more than in its solid form. These ions easily move and drift along the liquid to produce electricity.

potassium
Image Credit: Potassium by Dennis (CC BY 3.0)

Does potassium chloride conduct electricity?

Potassium chloride is a salt made from the combination of potassium and chlorine. Let us ponder on the electrical conductivity of potassium chloride.

Potassium chloride conducts electricity because it dissociates potassium ions with a positive charge and chloride ions with a negative charge when mixed with water or any other aqueous solution that conducts electricity. Due to the electrical conductivity of potassium chloride, the nerve impulse is transmitted.

Does potassium bromide conduct electricity?

Potassium bromide is manufactured by the combination of potassium carbonate and iron bromide. Let us discuss whether potassium bromide conducts electricity or not.

The potassium bromide conducts electricity only in molten form as it dissociates potassium and bromide ions. These ions carry the charges that move to conduct the electricity. Bromine has one electron deficiency in the 4p orbital to complete its orbital to become stable, which is acquired by the potassium.

Does potassium fluoride conduct electricity?

Potassium fluoride has one atom of potassium, and fluoride produces a neutral compound. Let us see whether potassium fluoride conducts electricity or not.

Potassium fluoride conducts electricity only in molten form and not solid. It produces the cation potassium and anion fluoride. These ions are responsible for intensifying the conductivity of potassium fluoride but form the ionic bond in solid form, and the electrons cannot drift through and produce electricity.

Does potassium iodide conduct electricity?

Potassium iodide is a radioactive agent used for various medical purposes. Let us see whether potassium iodide is a good conductor of electricity.

Potassium iodide is a good conductor of electricity in its molten form and when mixed with water. The potassium and iodine ions are dissociated into an aqueous solution but so is not the case in its solid form as the ionic bonds between potassium and iodine are stronger, and the electrons are not free to move.

Conclusion

We can conclude with this article that potassium is a good conductor of electricity as it has a single electron in its outermost electrons that is easily dissociated and free to move to generate electricity. The compounds of potassium conduct electricity in their molten form as their ions form the strongest ionic bonds.

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