Calcium
Calcium is the 20th element on the periodic table. The symbol of calcium is Ca and it is a metal. Calcium is part of the Alkali Earth Metals group and is in period 7.
Calcium has no smell, it is a silvery-grey color. Although calcium is shiny when scratched, it is usually very dull. Calcium is soft, which makes it malleable and ductile. It is a good conductor of electricity and has a density of 1.54 g/cm³. It has a melting point of 839° C and a boiling point of 1484° C.
Calcium reacts with air to form a coat of grey oxide. When put on fire calcium creates a red flame and when reacting with water reacts fast at first and then slows as it creates calcium hydroxide. Calcium is highly reactive with acid.
Calcium got its name from the latin word "calx" which means "lime". Calcium has been known since the 1st century, ancient Romans were known for making lime from calcium oxide. But, it wasn't made official until 1808 in England by Sir Humphry Davy. Davy tried to reduce moist lime using electrolysis (A technique that uses an electric current to create a chemical reaction) this did not work out. He then tried a mixture of lime and mercury oxide and though it produced a blend of calcium and mercury it wasn't enough to claim he had found a new element. Davy added more lime to the blend which got rid of the mercury, and just left the calcium.
What is Calcium used for?
1. Calcium is the 5th most abundant element found in the earth's crust. About 3% in oceans and soil
2. Our bodies contain more calcium than any other mineral
3. Calcium salts are used to make a deep orange colour in fireworks
4. Smaller doses of calcium are better for you
5. You lose calcium in your bones as you sleep
6. Without enough calcium, you could get osteoporosis a disease in which your bones are weak and fragile
Physical Chemical Properties
Calcium has no smell, it is a silvery-grey color. Although calcium is shiny when scratched, it is usually very dull. Calcium is soft, which makes it malleable and ductile. It is a good conductor of electricity and has a density of 1.54 g/cm³. It has a melting point of 839° C and a boiling point of 1484° C.
Chemical Properties of Calcium
Calcium reacts with air to form a coat of grey oxide. When put on fire calcium creates a red flame and when reacting with water reacts fast at first and then slows as it creates calcium hydroxide. Calcium is highly reactive with acid.
History
Calcium got its name from the latin word "calx" which means "lime". Calcium has been known since the 1st century, ancient Romans were known for making lime from calcium oxide. But, it wasn't made official until 1808 in England by Sir Humphry Davy. Davy tried to reduce moist lime using electrolysis (A technique that uses an electric current to create a chemical reaction) this did not work out. He then tried a mixture of lime and mercury oxide and though it produced a blend of calcium and mercury it wasn't enough to claim he had found a new element. Davy added more lime to the blend which got rid of the mercury, and just left the calcium.
What is Calcium used for?
Calcium is needed in the body and is vital in our teeth and skeleton to strengthen them, it provides structure and helps keep our bones from breaking. Calcium is also used for reducing in the act of metal extraction, which is the method of extracting metals from the ore. The element is also used in cement and in toothpaste. In toothpaste it strengthens your teeth and helps them stay structured. In cement, calcium helps harden it and keep it strong.
Why is calcium important?
Calcium is important, because it helps us live a healthy life style, sure, we need oxygen to breathe, but calcium keeps our bones strong and keeps us from getting too hurt. It also comes in many different, tasty ways (unlike carbon). Without calcium we wouldn't be able to live. Our bones would be so fragile that we wouldn't be able to move without cracking or breaking.
Why is calcium important?
Calcium is important, because it helps us live a healthy life style, sure, we need oxygen to breathe, but calcium keeps our bones strong and keeps us from getting too hurt. It also comes in many different, tasty ways (unlike carbon). Without calcium we wouldn't be able to live. Our bones would be so fragile that we wouldn't be able to move without cracking or breaking.
Common Calcium Compounds
- Calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2)
-Calcium phosphide (Ca3(PO3)2)
-Calcium carbonate (CaCO3)
-Calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2)
-Calcium oxide (CaO)
Fun Facts
1. Calcium is the 5th most abundant element found in the earth's crust. About 3% in oceans and soil
2. Our bodies contain more calcium than any other mineral
3. Calcium salts are used to make a deep orange colour in fireworks
4. Smaller doses of calcium are better for you
5. You lose calcium in your bones as you sleep
6. Without enough calcium, you could get osteoporosis a disease in which your bones are weak and fragile
References
"Calcium." Properties of Matter Element Card: Calcium. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Dec. 2016"Calcium Properties." Calcium Properties. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Dec. 2016.
"Water Treatment Solutions." Calcium (Ca) - Chemical Properties, Health and Environmental Effects. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Dec. 2016."Calcium - Element Information, Properties and Uses | Periodic Table." Calcium - Element Information, Properties and Uses | Periodic Table. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Dec. 2016.
"Calcium - Element Information, Properties and Uses | Periodic Table." Calcium - Element Information, Properties and Uses | Periodic Table. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Dec. 2016."Water Treatment Solutions." Calcium (Ca) - Chemical Properties, Health and Environmental Effects. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Dec. 2016."Calcium - Element Information, Properties and Uses | Periodic Table." Calcium - Element Information, Properties and Uses | Periodic Table. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Dec. 2016.
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