Learn about the characteristics, chemical properties, and common uses of calcium. Also, learn about calcium isotopes. Calcium is a non-metal with a low melting point. In addition, calcium is a member of the alkaline earth family, so it readily forms a white coating in air.
Calcium is the fifth most abundant element in the earth's crust and is easily formed into chemical compounds with oxygen and water. Sir Humphry Davy was the first person to isolate calcium by electrolysis. He did this by passing an electric current through lime and mercuric oxide, which caused the calcium atoms to break apart into two components. The compound was then given the suffix -ium, which now refers to metallic elements.
Unlike the mineral form, calcium metal is a solid that can react easily with water and acids. It is a good reducing agent, but is more expensive and less reactive than sodium.
Calcium is an active metal and readily forms binary compounds with halogens and oxygen. It also reacts with carbon, silicon, phosphorous, boron, and nitrogen. It also reacts violently with acids. As a result, calcium exhibits some interesting chemical properties, especially in salt compositions. One of the most fascinating examples of calcium in salt compositions is the formation of cave stalagmites, which are made up of calcium carbonate. These formations are caused by processes occurring in underground water.
Calcium is used as an alloying agent in many materials. It can reduce and dissolve iron and other metals. It also acts as a desulfurizer and deoxidizer in various metals. It is also used in cement, mortar, and the glass industry. Among other uses for calcium, it is an essential constituent of bones, shells, and other plant structures.
Calcium is an important mineral that is used in numerous products. Its elemental form is used in the production of various metals. It is also used in the production of chemicals and water purification. Calcium compounds can also be used in construction. Gypsum is one common type of calcium compound and is used for plaster of Paris and drywall. In addition, calcium compounds are used to make antacids and toothpaste.
The atoms in calcium are arranged in shells by atomic number, with the first shell holding two electrons, the second shell holding eight electrons, and the third shell holding up to 18 electrons. It is easy to look up the properties of different elements using the Periodic Table. Simply click on a symbol for Calcium to compare its Atomic Weight, Melting Point, and Boiling Point with other elements. This can be a great reference tool for students who study Chemistry.
Calcium is the third element in the second column of the periodic table and is classified as an alkaline earth metal. It has twenty protons and two valence electrons in its outer shell. Calcium is the fifth most abundant element in the Earth's crust. It is a fairly soft metal and has the lowest density of any alkaline earth metal. Calcium ions are electrolytes that play an important role in the body.
Calcium is found in various minerals. It can also be produced by electrolysis of molten calcium chloride. Similarly, it can be made into calcium alloys by substituting calcium with aluminum. There are six major isotopes of calcium.
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