Nickel is a Block D, Group 4, Period 4 element. The electronic configuration is [Ar]3d84s2. In its elemental form nickel's CAS number is 7440-02-0. The nickel atom has a radius of 149.pm and it's Van der Waals radius is 163.pm. It is extensively alloyed with iron, chromium, molybdenum, tungsten and other metals produce stainless and other anti-corrosive steel and other corrosion-resistant alloys. It is highly electronically conductive and has many applications as a result. It is the basis of the nickel hydride battery. Most recently, its conductive properties have made it an ideal component for ceramic anode formulations used in oxygen generation and solid oxide fuel cell applications. Catalytic nickel is used to hydrogenate vegetable oils. Nickel additions to glass and ceramic glazes impart a bright green. It is also used in pigments for this purpose. Nickel information, including Technical Data, Safety Data and its high purity properties, research, applications and other useful facts are discussed below. Scientific facts such as the atomic structure, ionization energy, abundance on Earth, conductivity and thermal properties are included. Nickel was first discovered by Alex Constedt in 1751.

Potassium is a Block S, Group 1, Period 4 element. The electronic configuration is [Ar] 4s¹. In its elemental form potassium's CAS number is 7440-09-7. The potassium atom has a radius of 227.2 .pm and it's Van der Waals radius is 275.pm. Potassium is the seventh most abundant element on earth. In its metallic form it is one of the most reactive and electropositive of all metals and rapidly oxidizes. As with other metals of the alkali group, the metal decomposes in water with the evolution of hydrogen. It catches fire spontaneously in water. In high purity, potassium compounds have numerous pharmacological, medical, and electronics applications. Important compounds include the hydroxide, nitrate, carbonate, chloride, bromide, iodide, and sulfate. Lower purity compounds are used in pyrotechnics for its violet color on ignition and in glass and ceramic glazes to produce this color.