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Lethal Injection
Potassium chloride is one of the three components used to execute convicted criminals who have received the death penalty. The potassium chloride is given after the sodium thiopental and pancuronium bromide solutions have anesthetized and paralyzed the individual. The potassium chloride kills the individual by stopping the heart.
Abortions
A type of abortion called the induction abortion, performed during the second or third trimesters, involves injecting urea and saltwater into the amniotic sac, which initiates contractions. Then digoxin and potassium chloride are given to the fetus to end its life.
Batteries
Potassium chloride is used to make an electrolyte solution with lithium chloride, barium nitrate or lithium chromate, which helps conduct electricity in a thermal battery. This electrolyte solution allows electrons to flow between the positively and negatively charged metal plates, forming electricity.
Fertilizer
The majority of the potassium chloride produced in the world is used for fertilizers. When used as a fertilizer, it is called muriate of potash, which is available in white or red. White potash will dissolve in water, making it useful in liquid starter fertilizers.
Salt Substitute
Potassium chloride is combined with sodium chloride (table salt) to make light salts, due to its unsalty flavor. It can also be used in water softeners to filter out the minerals in well water.