Abstract This paper studied the combustion conditions of potassium and product composition from heating methods and size of potassium block, it was found that the key factor of combustion experiment in open system was that the potassium could rapidly heat to ignition point, reducing the thickness of oxide film on the surface of potassium, and keeping more metal potassium. Therefore, preheated porcelain crucible at least 2 minutes, and then added metal potassium larger than the size of a pea, the phenomena of potassium burning could be observed. The combustion product was from black to orange after cooling, the main component was potassium hyperoxide, and there was a small amount of potassium carbonate in the burning white smoke.
