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. Gases
The resources above cover the following skills:
Physical Science
Energy - A. Energy is involved in all physical and chemical processes. It is conserved, and can be transformed from one form to another and into work. At the atomic and nuclear levels energy is not continuous but exists in discrete amounts. Energy and mass are related through Einstein's equation E=mc 2 . B. The properties of atomic nuclei are responsible for energy-related phenomena such as radioactivity, fission and fusion. C. Changes in entropy and energy that accompany chemical reactions influence reaction paths. Chemical reactions result in the release or absorption of energy. D. The theory of electromagnetism explains that electricity and magnetism are closely related. Electric charges are the source of electric fields. Moving charges generate magnetic fields. E. Waves are the propagation of a disturbance. They transport energy and momentum but do not transport matter.
Relate temperature to the average molecular kinetic energy.