Calcium: Difference between revisions

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Revision as of 06:59, 2 October 2008

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Calcium
40.078(4)



  Ca
20
[Ar] 4s2 2,4,s
[ ? ] Alkaline Earth Metal:
Properties:
Metallic
Compounds:
combined with phosphate to form hydroxylapatite, oxide (lime), carbonate, nitrate, sulfide, chloride, carbide, cyanamide, hypochlorite
Uses:
as a reducing agent in the extraction of other metals, such as uranium, zirconium, and thorium; as a deoxidizer, desulfurizer, or decarbonizer for various ferrous and nonferrous alloys; as an alloying agent used in the production of aluminium, beryllium, copper, lead, and magnesium alloys; in the making of cements and mortars to be used in construction; in the making of cheese, where calcium ions influence the activity of rennin in bringing about the coagulation of milk.
Hazard:
flammable

Calcium is the chemical element with the symbol Ca and atomic number 20.

Calcium is essential for life, particularly in cell physiology, where movement of the calcium ion Ca2+ into and out of the cytoplasm functions as a signal for many cellular processes, including neuromuscular contractions. It is also a major material used in mineralization of bones, teeth and shells.