The symbol for potassium on the periodic table is "K." This symbol derives from the Latin word "kalium," which refers to potash, a substance from which potassium was first isolated. Potassium is an essential alkali metal and serves various functions in biological systems, such as aiding muscle contraction and regulating fluid balance. In nature, potassium is commonly found in minerals and is vital for plant and human health. Understanding its symbol and position on the periodic table can help in fields like chemistry, biology, and environmental science.