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Calcium Wiki Page by Masnoo Adem

Page history last edited by Masnoo Adem 4 years, 2 months ago

 

Calcium’s structural characteristics

 

Calcium, represented by the symbol “Ca”, was discovered in 1808 by Sir Humphry Davy. It is part of group 2, the alkaline earth metals. It’s a silvery-gray color and for metals, on the softer side. Its atomic number is 20 and its electron configuration is [Ar] 4s^2. The atomic mass of Calcium is 40.078 amu (atomic mass unit). Calcium has 20 protons, 20 electrons, and 20 neutrons. The melting point for Calcium is 842 °C (1548 °F)  and the boiling point is 1484 °C (2703 °F). The name of this element is obtained from the Latin word “calx” which means lime.

 

Chemical behavior of Calcium

 

Calcium is the fifth most abundant metal in the Earth’s crust. It occurs in nature in various minerals like calcium carbonate, also known as limestone. Calcium carbonate that dissolves in water reacts with carbon dioxide, creating calcium bicarbonate. Through this process, caves are formed along with stalagmites and stalactites. Pure calcium metal is made commercially by heating lime with aluminum in low-pressure containers. Calcium is a reactive metal, reacting easily with water and acids. When it comes in contact with air, it creates a mixed oxide and nitride coating to protect from corrosion since it tarnishes quickly in the air. When heated in air or in oxygen, the calcium ignites. Due to its high reactivity, it is used to refine thorium, uranium, and zirconium. Calcium can be alloyed, or mixed, with aluminum, beryllium, copper, lead, and magnesium.

 

Importance of Calcium in the human body

 

Calcium is needed for humans to maintain strong bones and to fulfill important functions. It is the most abundant metallic element in the human body with almost all of it stored in your bones and teeth. Calcium is essential for muscle movement and transmitting messages through nerves from your brain to every body part. It also needed to clot your blood, help your blood vessels move blood throughout your body, and help your body release hormones and enzymes. Each person needs a certain amount of calcium. The amount one needs a day is based on their age. Foods like milk, broccoli, yogurt, fish, and grains can be eaten to receive that calcium intake needed each day. Without calcium, your bones will weaken which can lead to osteoporosis and bone fractures.

 

Reference URLs:

https://www.chemicool.com/elements/calcium.html

https://www.rsc.org/periodic-table/element/20/calcium

https://www.britannica.com/science/calcium

http://www.chemicalelements.com/elements/ca.html

https://education.jlab.org/itselemental/ele020.html

https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/hormonal-and-metabolic-disorders/electrolyte-balance/overview-of-calcium-s-role-in-the-body

https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Calcium-Consumer/

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comments (1)

Mitch Albers said

at 7:21 pm on Jan 23, 2020

Yep...Good work!

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