Calcium

Mary Petritz

CH83

Element Paper

November 28, 2011

Calcium

The Ancient Romans used calcium in many ways. They called calcium, calx, which is also referred to as limestone. The Romans would heat the calx, getting rid of the carbon dioxide, and leave the calcium oxide. Calcium oxide, mixed with water, makes cement. In 1808, Sir Humphry Davy first discovered calcium. Sir Humphry Davy did not like school, but did have an interest in science. After reading a chemistry book, Sir Davy was convinced to study chemistry. He then focused on electrochemistry, and chemistry. After, he learned that chemists, Berzelius and Pontin, made calcium by putting electricity in the lime that is in mercury. Davy isolated the metal while conducting experiments in London. Sir Davy produced tiny amounts of metal. Large amounts of calcium were becoming available in the beginning of the 20th century.

Calcium is an alkaline earth metal. This means that calcium is in Group 2 of the periodic table. Other elements in group 2 include: beryllium, magnesium, strontium, barium, and radium. Calcium is found in the earth’s crust, and is very abundant. It is the fifth most common element in the Earth’s crust and in the human body. Calcium’s abundance is estimated to be 3.64 percent. Its density is 1.55g/cm3. Calcium’s specific heat is .63J, and is a solid at room temperature. Calcium is a silvery, soft metal. It tarnishes to a grayish white after exposure to the air.

Calcium is less chemically reactive than other elements near calcium on the periodic table. Calcium has two valence electrons, and loses electrons like most other

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metals. Calcium has 20 protons, and 20 electrons. Calcium has two oxidation states. Calcium is incompatible with many substances. Some include, water, oxidizers, acids, air, chlorine, fluorine, oxygen, silicon, sulfur.

Calcium is highly reactive in a nuclear state, which is why there is not a high demand for...