Potassium iodate facts for kids
Potassium iodate is a special chemical compound. It's made of three different parts: potassium, iodine, and oxygen. Its chemical formula is KIO3. This means it has one potassium atom, one iodine atom, and three oxygen atoms joined together.
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What is Potassium Iodate Like?
Potassium iodate is a white, solid material. It looks like a white powder or tiny crystals. It is a strong oxidizing agent. This means it can take electrons from other chemicals. When it does this, it causes a chemical reaction. It is similar to other chemicals like potassium bromate and potassium chlorate. Potassium iodate can react very strongly with chemicals that are reducing agents. These are chemicals that give away electrons.
How is Potassium Iodate Made?
Potassium iodate can be made in a few ways. One way is to mix iodic acid with potassium hydroxide. Another way is to react iodine with potassium hydroxide. This second reaction actually creates two different chemicals. It makes both potassium iodide and potassium iodate.
What is Potassium Iodate Used For?
Potassium iodate has several important uses.
Adding Iodine to Salt
One main use is to add iodine to table salt. This helps people get enough iodine in their diet. Iodine is important for your body to work well. Potassium iodate is often preferred over potassium iodide for this. This is because potassium iodate does not change into iodine gas easily. Potassium iodide can turn into gas and evaporate from the salt. This means the iodine would be lost.
Use in Flour
Sometimes, potassium iodate is used in flour. It works in a similar way to potassium bromate. It helps to make the dough stronger and better for baking.
Protecting Against Radiation
Potassium iodate is also used for radiation protection. If there is a nuclear explosion, it can release radioactive iodine. This radioactive iodine can enter your body. It can then go into your thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is in your neck. If radioactive iodine gets into your thyroid, it can cause cancer.
Eating potassium iodate can help prevent this. It fills your thyroid with non-radioactive iodine. This makes it harder for the harmful radioactive iodine to get in. Potassium iodate also stays in your body longer than potassium iodide. This means it offers protection for a longer time.
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See also
In Spanish: Yodato potásico para niños
