Hello and welcome to Teach Kids Chemistry! Today, we will be exploring one of the most important elements in the periodic table – Calcium. Calcium is a vital element that plays a crucial role in our daily lives, from building strong bones and teeth to helping our muscles and nerves function properly. In this overview, we will learn about the properties, uses, and importance of calcium in a simple and non-complex manner. So, let’s dive in and discover the wonders of calcium!
The Periodic Element Calcium Overview
Calcium is a chemical element with the symbol Ca and atomic number 20. It has an atomic mass of 40.078 u and is located in period 4 and group 2 of the periodic table. Calcium has 20 protons, 20 electrons, and 20 neutrons. It is a metal and is in the solid phase at room temperature. Calcium has an electronegativity of 1.00 and a specific heat capacity of 0.647 J/g·K. Its melting point is 842 °C and its boiling point is 1484 °C. The density of calcium is 1.55 g/cm³.Calcium is an essential element for living organisms, as it plays a vital role in bone and teeth formation, muscle contraction, and nerve function. It is also used in the production of cement, cheese, and other products. Calcium is a reactive metal and can react with water to produce calcium hydroxide and hydrogen gas. It also reacts with oxygen to form calcium oxide. Due to its reactivity, calcium is not found in its pure form in nature, but rather in compounds such as limestone, gypsum, and fluorite.
Everyday objects that contain the periodic element calcium?
There are many everyday objects that contain chemicals or compounds that can be used to teach chemistry concepts. For example, water is a compound made up of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom, and can be used to teach about chemical formulas and the properties of compounds. Salt, which is made up of sodium and chlorine ions, can be used to teach about ionic bonding and the properties of solutions. Baking soda, which is sodium bicarbonate, can be used to teach about chemical reactions and the properties of acids and bases. Other examples include vinegar, which is acetic acid, and aspirin, which is acetylsalicylic acid. By using everyday objects that contain chemicals, students can learn about chemistry concepts in a relatable and understandable way.
Differences in the periodic element calcium across states of matter
The state of an element can vary greatly depending on its temperature and pressure. At standard temperature and pressure (STP), most elements are either solids or gases. Solids have a fixed shape and volume, while gases have neither. As temperature and pressure increase, some solids can become liquids, which have a fixed volume but take the shape of their container. As temperature and pressure continue to increase, some liquids can become gases, which have neither a fixed shape nor volume. At extremely high temperatures and pressures, some gases can become plasmas, which are highly ionized and conductive. Plasmas are often found in stars and lightning bolts, and have unique properties such as the ability to emit light.
Is the periodic element calcium dangerous or radioactive?
Calcium is a chemical element that is not dangerous or radioactive. It is a soft, silvery-white metal that is essential for life and is found in many foods, such as milk, cheese, and leafy green vegetables. Calcium is important for strong bones and teeth, muscle function, and nerve transmission. It is also used in many industrial applications, such as the production of cement and steel. While calcium can be hazardous in certain forms, such as calcium oxide or calcium carbide, the pure element itself is not considered dangerous or radioactive.
Is the periodic element calcium rare and expensive?
No, calcium is not a rare or expensive element. In fact, it is one of the most abundant elements on Earth and is found in many common minerals such as limestone, gypsum, and fluorite. Calcium is also an essential element for living organisms and is found in many foods such as dairy products, leafy greens, and fortified cereals. Therefore, calcium is readily available and affordable for use in various applications, including in the production of cement, steel, and other industrial processes.
Learn about all the elements with a periodic table!