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Is potassium nitrate a solid?
Potassium Nitrate is a transparent, white or colorless, crystalline (sand-like) powder or solid with a sharp, salty taste. It is used to make explosives, matches, fertilizer, fireworks, glass and rocket fuel. * Potassium Nitrate is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is cited by DOT.
Is potassium nitrite aqueous?
Potassium nitrite (distinct from potassium nitrate) is the inorganic compound with the chemical formula KNO 2. It is an ionic salt of potassium ions K+ and nitrite ions NO2−, which forms a white or slightly yellow, hygroscopic crystalline powder that is soluble in water....Potassium nitrite.IdentifiersOther cationsSodium nitrite43 more rows
What state of matter is potassium nitride?
crystalline solidPotassium nitrideNamesChemical formulaK3NMolar mass131.3016 g/molAppearanceSlightly yellow crystalline solidMelting point263 K (−10 °C; 14 °F) (decomposes)10 more rows
Is nitrate a solid liquid or gas?
It is a nitrogen oxoanion, a member of reactive nitrogen species and a monovalent inorganic anion. It is a conjugate base of a nitric acid. Nitrates, inorganic, aqueous solution, n.o.s. is a liquid which is readily ignited when in contact with organic materials.
Is potassium nitrate a solid or liquid?
crystalline solidPotassium nitrate appears as a white to dirty gray crystalline solid. Water soluble. Noncombustible, but accelerates the burning of combustible materials.
Is potassium nitrate soluble in water?
WaterAmmoniaGlycerolPotassium nitrate/Soluble in
Is kno2 a gas?
Potassium nitrite appears as a yellowish white crystalline solid. Noncombustible but accelerates the burning of all combustible material.
What type of compound is potassium nitrate?
inorganic nitrate saltThe inorganic nitrate salt of potassium.
Is NaNO3 a gas?
Answer: (a) Solid In its pure standard form, sodium nitrate (NaNO3 N a N O 3 ) is present as a crystalline solid.
Is sodium nitrate aqueous?
Sodium nitrate is a white deliquescent solid very soluble in water.
Is nano3 aqueous?
0:511:40Is NaNO3 Soluble or Insoluble in Water? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd then down that s that means that it's a soluble compound when you put it in water it'll dissolveMoreAnd then down that s that means that it's a soluble compound when you put it in water it'll dissolve dissociate break apart into its ions. So you'll have aqueous na plus and aqueous no3.
Is copper nitrate a solid or aqueous?
Copper(II) nitrate describes any member of the family of inorganic compounds with the formula Cu(NO3)2(H2O)x. The hydrates are blue solids. Anhydrous copper nitrate forms blue-green crystals and sublimes in a vacuum at 150-200 °C.
Is potassium nitrate harmful to humans?
A number of health hazards can present potassium nitrate. It can trigger breathing issues when inhaled, including coughing and shortness of breath....
What contains potassium nitrate?
Potassium nitrate is a nitric acid crystalline potassium salt. Many products in households, agriculture, and industry use potassium nitrate. For so...
Is potassium nitrate safe in toothpaste?
There is often confusion between nitrates and nitrites. The FDA recognizes nitrates used in potassium nitrate as secure and efficient for use in an...
What are the dangers of potassium nitrate?
Contact can trigger irritation of the eyes and skin. Potassium nitrate respiration may irritate the nose and throat causing sneezing and coughing....
What is potassium nitrite used for?
In the production of heat transfer salts, potassium nitrite is used. Potassium nitrite as a food additive E249 is a sodium nitrite-like preservativ...
Is potassium nitrate harmful to humans?
Potassium nitrate when breathed in will impact you. * Touch can cause discomfort to the eyes and skin. * Potassium nitrate for breathing can irrita...
Is potassium nitrate a carcinogen?
Nither IARC nor the EPA have listed carcinogenicity nitrates. There are however several potential mechanisms that can metabolize nitrates to N-nitr...
What plants benefit from potassium?
Potassium grows good lawns by encouraging deep-rooted lush, robust stems. By supporting solid stems and well-developed flowers it benefits roses an...
What is potassium nitrate used for?
Potassium nitrate is used in gunpowder, fertilizers and in the laboratory preparation of nitric acid. Potassium nitrate is the most common desensitizing agent in over-the-counter dentifrices. At a concentration of 5%, potassium nitrate in conjunction with sodium or monofluorophosphate fluoride significantly reduces symptoms within 2 weeks ...
What are the health risks of potassium nitrate?
Potassium Nitrate (KNO3 ) Health Hazards 1 Potential exposure – Potassium Nitrate is used in chemical analysis, as a food additive in fertilizers in medications as a vasodilator and as antidote for cyanide poisoning. 2 Short term exposure – Potassium nitrate can affect when breathed in. Contact can cause eye and skin burns. Breathing the dust or mist can irritate the nose, throat and lungs and may cause coughing with phlegm. Higher exposures can cause pulmonary edema, a medical emergency that can be delayed for several hours. This can cause death. 3 Long term exposure – Repeated skin contact causes dermatitis, drying and cracking. May cause lung irritation, bronchitis may develop. There is limited evidence that potassium nitrite may damage the developing fetus. 4 Medical surveillance – If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, the following may be useful, blood test for methemoglobin. Lung function tests. Consider chest X-ray after acute overexposure. 5 Potassium nitrate is an inorganic salt which has a molecular KNO3 formula. This is a common form of nitrate which has been used for numerous uses as a component, including agricultural preservatives, fertilizers, tree stump removal, rocket propellants, which fireworks. 6 Potassium nitrate is a common active ingredient that exerts an anti-sensitive effect in toothpaste. It offers enhanced protection against the painful sensitivity of the teeth to ice, sun, acids, sweets or touch.
What is the name of the additive used in heat transfer salts?
In the production of heat transfer salts, potassium nitrite is used. Potassium nitrite as a food additive E249 is a sodium nitrite-like preservative and is approved for use in the EU, USA, Australia and New Zealand.
Why is it important to apply potassium nitrate dentifrice?
Frequent and regular application of a potassium nitrate dentifrice is necessary to avoid recurrence of symptoms, maintain a high abundance of extracellular potassium ions, and maintain the inter dental nerves in a hyperpolarized state. Potassium nitrate, often called saltpeter, occurs as an efflorescence in caverns and on soils in arid regions.
What is KNO3 used for?
Potassium Nitrate (KNO3 ) Uses. It is used as a form of fertilizer as it contains all the macronutrients needed for the plants to grow. It is used as gunpowder in explosives such as bombs, grenades, etc. Used in the manufacturing and production of cigarettes. It is used extensively used in the preservation of hides.
Why do farmers need potassium?
The farmers depend on potassium to grow good crops. Plants which are rich in carbohydrates like potatoes need potassium to develop tuber. Learn more about the Structure, physical and chemical properties of KNO 3 from the experts at BYJU’S. Other related links: Oxidizing Agent.
Can potassium nitrate cause pulmonary edema?
Breathing the dust or mist can irritate the nose, throat and lungs and may cause coughing with phlegm. Higher exposures can cause pulmonary edema, a medical emergency that can be delayed for several hours.
What is the code for potassium nitrate?
For potassium nitrate (USEPA/OPP Pesticide Code: 076103) ACTIVE products with label matches. /SRP: Registered for use in the U.S. but approved pesticide uses may change periodically and so federal, state and local authorities must be consulted for currently approved uses./
Where are nitrates absorbed?
Nitrates are absorbed into the general blood circulation and are transported across the body. Radioactive tracer experiments have demonstrated that nitrates are distributed evenly among body organs, and their rate of distribution depends on blood flow.
How are nitrates reduced?
Nitrates are reduced to nitrites by the bacteria in saliva and the gastrointestinal system. The in vivo reduction of nitrates to nitrites depends on conditions that are subject to much variations such the volume and species of microflora present in the saliva/gastrointestinal tract, and stomach pH. Gastric pH is higher in infants younger than 6 months of age and during certain gastrointestinal tract infections, thereby favoring the reduction of nitrates. Nitrate is metabolized to a small extent. The biotransformation of potassium nitrate consists of nitrate reduction, nitrite formation, nitrite reoxidation to nitrate, and formation of methemoglobin or NO, in a dynamic equilibrium,,.
What is a clinical evaluation of a patient with suspected nitrate exposure?
Clinical Evaluation: History. Evaluation of a patient with suspected nitrate / nitrite exposure includes a complete medical history and physical examination. Clues to potential exposure are often obtained by reviewing the following items with the patient or family: location of home (urban, suburban, or rural); drinking water source and supply (if well water: depth, location, type of well construction, and frequency of microbiologic and nitrate testing); surrounding activities (agricultural or industrial) and proximity to drinking- water source; type of sewer system (municipal or septic) and proximity to drinking water source; recent flooding; occupations, avocations, and hobbies of family members; nutritional status (for infants: type of formula, feeding regimen, and source of dilution water ); family history, including recent use of medications by infant and mother; and history of recent gastroenteritis with vomiting or diarrhea. /Nitrates and Nitrites/
What is the role of potassium in the body?
Potassium transport through the hydrophobic interior of a cell membrane may be facilitated by several naturally occurring compounds that form lipid-soluble alkali metal cation complexes. Potassium has the critical role of a calcium counter-ion for numerous carboxylates, phosphates, and sulfates, and also acts to stabilize macromolecular structures. Potassium is the primary agent for common, over the counter de-sensitizing toothpaste that prevents the transmission of nerve endings to the teeth. Potassium salts, including potassium nitrate, potassium chloride or potassium citrate work by diffusion across the dentinal tubules, causing depolarization of the nerve cells. In turn, these cells become unresponsive to excitatory stimuli. The effect of the potassium nitrate accumulates over time, and it may take several weeks for patients to notice improvement of pain symptoms. Potassium nitrates control pests using a unique mechanism of action. Rather than directly poisoning rodents, nitrates support the combustion of charcoal in gas cartridges, promoting the production of toxic gases, which, are lethal to the target pest. The environmental protection agency in the USA (EPA) is only minimally concerned about the risk of direct human exposure to sodium or potassium nitrates, rather than pesticide accidents--typically involving skin burns or inhalation of toxic gases.
How much potassium cation is needed for osmotic pressure?
The potassium cation is an essential electrolyte that is important for the maintenance of intracellular osmotic pressure and for the maintenance of cell membrane potential, in particular, the potential of electrically excitable tissues. It is a regular component of the diet and is particularly abundant in fruit and vegetables. The recommended daily intake varies from 350-1275 mg in children to 1875 and 5625 mg in adults. In the United Kingdom, the recommended intake is 3.5 g/day for healthy adults. Potassium ions are believed to disturb the synapse between nerve cells, thus decreasing nerve excitation and the associated pain. Potassium nitrates are ignitable fumigants also utilized as rodenticides and insecticides. They are added to other pesticide active ingredients ( sulfur and carbon) and placed into fumigant gas cartridges, designed to be ignited and placed in pest-infested areas. The activated cartridge bombs release toxic gases which are lethal to select rodents, skunks, coyotes, and wasps. Potassium ions have demonstrated in animal studies to act directly on the nerves and to reduce sensory activity. Tooth hypersensitivity can be relieved by inactivating the intra-dental nerve and inhibiting neural transmission, using suitable medications. It has been found that potassium -to- sodium intake ratios are strongly related to cardiovascular disease risk than either nutrient alone. The data describing this relationship warrants further research for various target tissue endpoints.
Is potassium nitrate a solid?
Potassium nitrate appears as a white to dirty gray crystalline solid. Water soluble. Noncombustible, but accelerates the burning of combustible materials. If large quantities are involved in fire or the combustible material is finely divided an explosion may result. May explode under prolonged exposure to heat or fire. Toxic oxides of nitrogen are produced in fires. Used in solid propellants, explosives, fertilizers.
Where should potassium nitrate be stored?
Potassium nitrate should be stored in closed bottles, away from any flammable materials as well as organic and acidic vapors. It is not hygroscopic, so there's no need to seal it.
Is potassium nitrate soluble in boiling water?
Its solubility curve makes recrystallization easy, being only somewhat soluble in freezing water (13.3 g/100 ml at 0 °C), but very soluble in boiling water (246 g/100 ml at 100 °C). It is not hygroscopic, absorbing about 0.03% water in 80% relative humidity over a period of 50 days.
Is potassium nitrate a stump remover?
In many American hardware stores, potassium nitrate is sold in a reasonably pure form as a stump remover, which can be purified by recrystallization from water. Care must be taken if it is being bought this way, as some stump removers mostly consist of other agents, such as sodium metabisulfite, which can be a rude awakening to one treating it as potassium nitrate.

Overview
Uses
Potassium nitrate has a wide variety of uses, largely as a source of nitrate.
Historically, nitric acid was produced by combining sulfuric acid with nitrates such as saltpeter. In modern times this is reversed: nitrates are produced from nitric acid produced via the Ostwald process.
The most famous use of potassium nitrate is probably as the oxidizer in blackp…
Properties
Potassium nitrate has an orthorhombic crystal structure at room temperature, which transforms to a trigonal system at 129 °C (264 °F).
Potassium nitrate is moderately soluble in water, but its solubility increases with temperature. The aqueous solution is almost neutral, exhibiting pH 6.2 at 14 °C (57 °F) for a 10% solution of commercial powder. It is not very hygroscopic, absorbing about 0.03% water in 80% relative humi…
History of production
In Ancient India, saltpeter manufacturers formed the Nuniya caste. Saltpeter finds mention in Kautilya's Arthashastra (compiled 300BC - 300AD), which mentions using its poisonous smoke as a weapon of war, although its use for propulsion did not appear until medieval times.
A purification process for potassium nitrate was outlined in 1270 by the chemi…
Production
Potassium nitrate can be made by combining ammonium nitrate and potassium hydroxide.
NH4NO3 (aq) + KOH (aq) → NH3 (g) + KNO3 (aq) + H2O (l)
An alternative way of producing potassium nitrate without a by-product of ammonia is to combine ammonium nitrate, found in instant ice packs, and potassium chloride, easily obtained as a sodium-free salt substitute.
Etymology
Potassium nitrate, because of its early and global use and production, has many names. Hebrew and Egyptian words for it had the consonants n-t-r, indicating likely cognation in the Greek nitron, which was Latinised to nitrum or nitrium. Thence Old French had niter and Middle English nitre. By the 15th century, Europeans referred to it as saltpetre, specifically Indian saltpetre (sodium nitrate is chile saltpetre) and later as nitrate of potash, as the chemistry of the compound was more full…
In folklore and popular culture
Potassium nitrate was once thought to induce impotence, and is still rumored to be in institutional food (such as military fare) as an anaphrodisiac; however, there is no scientific evidence for such properties.
In Bank Shot, El (Joanna Cassidy) propositions Walter Ballantine (George C. Scott), who tells her that he has been fed saltpeter in prison. "You know why they feed you saltpeter in prison?" Ballan…
See also
• History of gunpowder
• Humberstone and Santa Laura Saltpeter Works
• Niter, a mineral form of potassium nitrate
• Nitrocellulose
Properties
- Chemical
Potassium nitrate is a good source of both potassium and nitrate ions. When heated to to temperatures between 550 and 790 °C, under an oxygen atmosphere, it loses oxygen and converts into potassium nitrite: 1. 2 KNO3 → 2 KNO2 + O2 Molten potassium nitrate will react wi… - Physical
Potassium nitrate is white solid with a melting point of 334 °C. Its solubility curve makes recrystallization easy, being only somewhat soluble in freezing water (13.3 g/100 ml at 0 °C), but very soluble in boiling water (246 g/100 ml at 100 °C). It is not hygroscopic, absorbing about 0.0…
Availability
- In many American hardware stores, potassium nitrate is sold in a reasonably pure form as a stump remover, which can be purified by recrystallization from water. Care must be taken if it is being bought this way, as some stump removers mostly consist of other agents, such as sodium metabisulfite, which can be a rude awakening to one treating it as potassium nitrate. Potassium …
Preparation
- Potassium nitrate can be prepared by neutralizing KOH with nitric acid or adding ammonium nitrateto it. 1. KOH + HNO3 → KNO3 + H2O 2. KOH + NH4NO3 → KNO3 + NH3 + H2O It can also be made by a double displacement reaction between ammonium nitrate and potassium sulfate or potassium chloride, and then recrystallizing the KNO3 out at low temperatures. This reaction ca…
Projects
Handling
- Safety
Potassium nitrate is virtually non-toxic, and is even approved for use in food as a preservative (E252). Soldiers of the early modern era even used the saltpeter-based black powderas a table salt substitute to sprinkle on their rations. While generally quite stable, it is an oxidizing agent, s… - Storage
Potassium nitrate should be stored in closed bottles, away from any flammable materials as well as organic and acidic vapors. It is not hygroscopic, so there's no need to seal it.
Gallery
- Crystals of potassium nitrate, dried
- Potassium nitrate, fresh out of solution
References
- Jump up ↑ Proceedings of the Symposia on Corrosion in Batteries and Fuel Cells and Corrosion in Solar Energy Systems, Chris J. Johnson, Steven L. Pohlman, 1984, p. 407-408
- Jump up ↑ http://www.google.com/patents/US579988
- Jump up ↑ Tdep - experience working with and setting fire to said chemical.