CALCIUM

Description

Calcium is the chemical element with the symbol Ca and atomic number 20. It has an atomic weight of 40.078 g/mol. Calcium is the fifth most abundant dissolved ion in seawater by both molarity and mass, after Na⁺, Cl^-, Mg²⁺ and SO4^2-. Calcium metal is quite reactive. It readily forms a white coating of calcium nitride (Ca3N2) in air at room temperature. It reacts with water and the metal burns in air with an orangered flame, forming largely the nitride, but some oxide. In the visible portion of the spectrum of many stars, including the Sun, strong absorption lines of singly ionized calcium ions are evident. Prominent among these are the H line at 3968.5 A ° and the K line at 3933.7 A°of singly ionized calcium, or Ca II. For the Sun, and stars with low temperatures, the prominence of the H and K lines is an indication of strong magnetic activity in the chromosphere. Measurement of periodic variations of these active regions can also be used to deduce the rotational periods of these stars.

The Uses of CALCIUM

Calcium is an alkaline earth element that contributes toward bone and teeth formation, muscle contraction, and blood clotting. it occurs in milk, vegetables, and egg yolk.