Potassium (K) and nickel (Ni) are both elements on the periodic table, but they belong to different groups and have different properties due to their distinct electronic configurations. However, since you mentioned they are in the same "row" of the periodic table, it seems you might be referring to the same period.
Both potassium and nickel are in period 4 of the periodic table, meaning they have similar valence electron characteristics associated with that period. Specifically, they both have their outermost electrons in the fourth energy level (n=4).
Here are a few points they have in common:
- Period: Both are in period 4 of the periodic table.
- Metals: Both potassium and nickel are metallic elements, although potassium is classified as an alkali metal and nickel as a transition metal.
- Conductivity: Both elements possess good electrical and thermal conductivity, typical of metals.
- Chemical Properties: They both can form positive cations; potassium usually forms a +1 cation (K⁺), while nickel typically forms +2 (Ni²⁺) or +3 (Ni³⁺) cations.
Despite these similarities, they have very different chemical and physical properties due to their positions in the periodic table. Potassium is highly reactive and has low density, while nickel is much less reactive, has a higher density, and is used in many alloys and as a catalyst.