Potassium Nitrate

Potassium nitrate, also known as saltpeter, is a chemical compound with the formula KNO₃. It is a naturally occurring mineral that is commonly used in fertilizers, fireworks, and as a food preservative. Potassium nitrate is also used in the production of gunpowder and as a component in some toothpaste formulations for sensitive teeth.

Properties of Potassium Nitrate:

Chemical formula: KNO₃
Molar mass: 101.10 g/mol
Appearance: Colorless, transparent crystals
Solubility: Soluble in water
Melting point: 334 °C
Boiling point: Decomposes at high temperature

Uses of Potassium Nitrate:

Fertilizers: Potassium nitrate is a major component of many fertilizers due to its high solubility and the readily available potassium and nitrate ions that it provides to plants.
Fireworks: It is used as an oxidizer in fireworks to produce a bright purple flame.
Food preservative: It is used in cured meats to preserve color and prevent botulism.
Gunpowder: Potassium nitrate is a key ingredient in gunpowder, where it serves as an oxidizing agent.
Toothpaste: In some toothpaste formulations, potassium nitrate is used to reduce tooth sensitivity.

Chemical Reactions:

Potassium nitrate can undergo various chemical reactions, such as decomposition when heated to produce oxygen gas and potassium nitrite. It can also react with sulfuric acid to produce nitric acid and potassium sulfate.

Study Guide:

What is the chemical formula for potassium nitrate?
What are the major uses of potassium nitrate?
Describe the properties of potassium nitrate.
What happens when potassium nitrate is heated?
Explain the role of potassium nitrate in toothpaste formulations.

◂Earth Science Worksheets and Study Guides High School. Rocks I

Vocabulary/Answer key

Rocks I

Vocabulary/Answer key

Rocks I

Vocabulary/Answer key

Rocks I

The resources above cover the following skills:

EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCE

Earth’s Systems

Construct an explanation from evidence for the processes that generate the transformation of rocks in Earth’s crust, including chemical composition of minerals and characteristics of sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rocks.

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

Earth and Human Activity

Engage in argument from evidence to defend how coastal, marine, and freshwater sources (e.g., estuaries, marshes, tidal pools, wetlands, beaches, inlets, rivers, lakes, oceans, coral reefs) support biodiversity, economic stability, and human recreation.