What is the difference between Sodium and Potassium?

Sodium and potassium are inherently occurring alkaline metals that demonstrate similarities in their actions. Both sodium and potassium are required to help our bodies function properly. Both ions are highly responsive and easily dissolve in water, so both are observed in seawater. Both sodium and potassium are also uncovered as parts of different minerals.

Sodium is heavier than potassium even though the atomic number of sodium is only 11, while potassium is 19. Sodium is less reactive than potassium. Sodium creates a plethora of compounds used in productions such as baking soda, common salt, sodium nitrate, and caustic soda. Potassium, on the other hand, reacts with water producing hydrogen. The reaction of potassium with water is more aggressive.

Potassium is the most advantageous material, as it is found mostly inside the cells in fluids. Low potassium can lead to various disorders or ailments, such as lung and kidney disorders, hypertension, which has become a rampant issue in our society. Those who have adequate potassium amounts in their bodies tend to have healthier hearts and lower blood pressure. Both sodium and potassium need to be in balance in the body for overall good health.

Sodium and potassium are both alkaline metals. They are also electrolytes that our bodies need to survive and maintain overall health. This need is why we often see people at the gym drinking Gatorade or some kinds of sports drink to replace the electrolytes. Sodium is present naturally in substantial amounts as dissolved in seawater.

Sodium also contributes to many commercially vital chemicals that are used for various industrial purposes. Common salt and baking soda are the two most regularly used chemical compounds of sodium. Sodium is also found in table salt, which has a fair amount of iodine in it, which is something our bodies need to maintain thyroid health.

Potassium, on the other hand, is present on the Earth’s crust in the form of minerals. Potassium is also used in the preparation of commercial soaps. Potassium regulates fluid levels and nerve and muscle function. Some of the foods high in potassium include leafy green vegetables, avocado, fish, and of course, bananas. Both sodium and potassium are imperative in keeping the appropriate balance of fluids in the system.

A lot of people would like to lessen the amount of salt that they would like to consume, but admittedly, this can be a bit hard. Sodium and potassium may sometimes seem the same because of their similarity. They are known to be electrolytes that are needed so that the body will be able to function normally.

One main difference is that there is such a thing as consuming too much sodium, which may occur when you eat a lot of unhealthy food.

Most people do not consume too much potassium, which you can consume when you eat certain fruits, vegetables, seafood, and different dairy products. It is best that you will pay attention to the food that you eat. It will make a lot of difference in that way.

Sodium and potassium are two types of alkali metals. The full name of them is sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide. They can both be identified by their chemical formulas. Sodium has a chemical formula of NaOH, while potassium has a chemical formula of KOH. Another difference between them is their molar masses. Sodium has a molar mass of 39.99, while potassium has a molar mass of 56.11. Along with their molar masses, another difference between them is in regards to their solubility in water. Between the two, sodium is higher when it comes to being soluble in water than potassium is.