Page 45 - Curriculum Visions Dynamic Book

Potassium
Reacts violently with water
Makes up nearly 3% of the Earth’s crust
Eighth most common element
Found as potash and in gunpowder
A silvery–white metal, chemical symbol K
Atomic number 19, atomic weight about 39
An important mineral in sea water
Has no smell
Is needed in all body cells
Important to the correct functioning of the heart
 Sodium carbonate is used in toothpaste to neutralise acids that corrode teeth.