Rosemarie T. answered 12/05/13
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Potassium is a silvery-white, very soft metal that is quickly oxidized in air and rather violently oxidized in water. Its relatively low atomic number (16) makes it fairly common, though pure metallic potassium is relatively rare and not organically available. Most potassium on earth is found in the form of ionic salts, which are common in seawater.
Iodine is a halogen; its high atomic number (53) makes it a relatively rare element. However, it can be found in concentration in Earth's oceans (kelp is very high in biologically-active iodine).
Potassium iodide (KI) is also known iodine-127. It is extremely biologically active, and can be found manufactured in various forms. This molecule can be used to treat goiter (iodine insufficiency), as it sensitizes the thyroid gland for better uptake of dietary iodine. It is also used in case of nuclear exposure, since it increases uptake of iodine and allows for iodine saturation of the body's cells, which protects against uptake of radioactive elements.