Calcium: Explanation and Study Guide
Calcium is a chemical element with the symbol Ca and atomic number 20. It is an essential element for living organisms, particularly in the formation of bones and teeth. Calcium is also important for nerve transmission, muscle function, and blood clotting.
Properties of Calcium
Here are some important properties of calcium:
- Symbol: Ca
- Atomic Number: 20
- Atomic Mass: 40.078 amu
- Electron Configuration: 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2
- Physical State at Room Temperature: Solid
- Color: Silvery-gray
- Melting Point: 842°C
- Boiling Point: 1484°C
Uses of Calcium
Calcium has various uses, including:
- Formation of bones and teeth in living organisms
- As a dietary supplement for humans and animals
- In the production of cement, lime, and glass
- As a reducing agent in the extraction of other metals
- In the production of various alloys
Chemical Reactions of Calcium
Calcium is a reactive metal and readily forms compounds with other elements. Some important chemical reactions of calcium include:
- Reaction with water to form calcium hydroxide and hydrogen gas: Ca + 2H2O → Ca(OH)2 + H2
- Reaction with oxygen to form calcium oxide: 2Ca + O2 → 2CaO
- Reaction with acids to produce calcium salts and hydrogen gas
Study Guide
Here are some key points to remember when studying calcium:
- Understand the importance of calcium in living organisms, particularly in bone and teeth formation.
- Learn the properties of calcium, including its atomic number, mass, and electron configuration.
- Be familiar with the uses of calcium in various industries and as a dietary supplement.
- Study the chemical reactions of calcium, including its reaction with water, oxygen, and acids.
- Practice balancing chemical equations involving calcium.
[Calcium] Related Worksheets and Study Guides:
.◂Chemistry Worksheets and Study Guides High School. Atomic Structure - Set II
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Atomic Structure - Set II 
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Atomic Structure - Set II Worksheet/Answer key
Atomic Structure - Set II
Worksheet/Answer keyWorksheet/Answer keyThe resources above cover the following skills:
Concepts of Physical Science (SB1, SB2, SB3, SB4)
The student demonstrates an understanding of the structure and properties of matter by describing atoms and their base components (i.e., protons, neutrons, electrons).
The student demonstrates an understanding of the interactions between matter and energy and the effects of these interactions on systems by recognizing that atoms emit and absorb electromagnetic radiation.
Concepts of Physical Science (SB1, SB2, SB3, SB4)
The student demonstrates an understanding of the structure and properties of matter by using the periodic table to describe atoms in terms of their base components (i.e., protons, neutrons, electrons).