Calcium

Calcium

Symbol	Ca
Atomic Number	20
Atomic Mass	40.08 g.mol -1
Discovered by	Humphry Davy in 1808

Calcium Element Data

What is Calcium?

• Calcium with atomic number 20 is represented in the periodic table with the symbol Ca.
• Calcium (Ca) is a vital element that aids our bones stay tough and capable of supporting our load.
• Calcium is also used by our nervous system to help transmit impulses through our bodies.

Uses Of Calcium

• The element maintains the vital for bones and teeth.
• The element assists in the movement of muscles by helping to carry messages from the brain to all parts of the body.
• The ions of the element act as carriers between cells in the form of multicellular life forms.
• The element aids in assisting hormones to release along with enzymes.
• This element is widely used in steelmaking because it tends to readily form compounds with oxygen and sulphur.
• Several calcium compounds find use in the food industry (as food additives) and the pharmaceutical industry.

Properties Of Calcium

• The element is the fifth most abundant metal in the planet’s crust (4.1%).
• Important isotopes of calcium include ⁴⁸Ca, ⁴⁶Ca, ⁴⁴Ca, ⁴³Ca, ⁴²Ca, and ⁴⁰Ca.
• Traced in large amounts as gypsum (calcium sulfate), limestone (calcium carbonate), apatite (calcium chloro- or fluoro-phosphate) and fluorite (calcium fluoride).
• Dissolved calcium bicarbonate is found in hard water.

Certain Facts About Calcium

• Since the Greeks and Romans, humans have known about calcium and compounds that contain calcium.
• Romans made use of lime in their concrete and termed it “Calx.”
• Davy was the original chemist to separate pure calcium in 1808.
• Once the element is refined, it would turn tougher as a silver-coloured metal.