Calcium

by Yogi P - October 15, 2023

Calcium: A fundamental component for a healthy life

Calcium is an essential mineral for life – it provides our bodies with a range of structural and physiological functionality. It is the fifth most abundant element in our bodies, and is key for the function of a range of essential organs such as the heart, blood, bones, tooth enamel, and nervous system. This makes calcium a fundamental component of a healthy life – from protecting the integrity of our bones and teeth to facilitating normal blood clotting.

History and Discovery of Calcium

Calcium, as we know it today, was first discovered in 1808 by British scientist Sir Humphry Davy. He managed to isolate the mineral from a solution by electrolysis. Once isolated it became the first of the elements in what is now the alkaline earth metal group, also known as Group 2. Interestingly, calcium is the fifth most abundant mineral in the Earth’s crust and the seventh most abundant element in our universe.

Properties of Calcium

Atomic number : 20
Symbol : Ca
Atomic mass : 40.078
Melting point : 842°C or 1548°F
Boiling point : 1484°C or 2703°F
Density : 1.54 g/cm³
Valence electrons : 2

Uses of Calcium

Calcium has many applications in our everyday life, ranging from food products to pharmaceuticals. Some example of the uses are listed below:

Bones and Teeth Formation: Calcium is essential for forming and maintaining bones and teeth, the two primary functions it performs in the body.
Food Supplement: Calcium carbonate is often added as a supplement to processed foods such as bread, juice, and cereal.
Chemical Industry: Calcium carbonate is used extensively in chemical industries, particularly for making a range of spark plug and lubricant oils.
Construction: Calcium oxide and calcium hydroxide, also known as quicklime and hydrated lime, are essential components in cement and construction materials.
Pharmaceuticals: In the pharmaceutical industry, calcium is used to produce a range of tablets and laxatives.
Animal Feed: Calcium carbonate is added to many animal feeds to help with the absorption of nutrients.

Safety Precautions

It is important to be aware of the precautions and safety guidelines that should be followed when handling calcium and any of its by-products. It is highly advised that breathing apparatuses, gloves, and safety glasses be used when dealing with calcium. In places where the calcium is sprayed or used as a dust, respiratory protection, such as an N95 or P100 respirator, should also be utilized. The storage of calcium products should also be done carefully and in accordance with the safety precautions given by the manufacturer.

Conclusion

Calcium is an essential element for life, and its various uses in industry, medicine, and food products makes it a fundamental component of our modern life. We must ensure we appreciate its importance and take the necessary safety precautions when handling it.

10 MCQs on the calcium element, with explanations:

Q1. Which of the following is the chemical symbol for calcium?

(a) Ca – Correct
(b) Cl
(c) Cu
(d) C

Explanation: The chemical symbol for calcium is Ca.

Q2. What is the atomic number of calcium?

(a) 20
(b) 21
(c) 22 – Correct
(d) 23

Explanation: The atomic number of calcium is 22.

Q3. Calcium is a member of which group on the periodic table?

(a) Alkali metals
(b) Alkaline earth metals – Correct
(c) Transition metals
(d) Halogens

Explanation: Calcium is a member of the alkaline earth metals group on the periodic table.

Q4. Calcium is a silvery-white, soft metal that is highly reactive. What happens when calcium reacts with water?

(a) It reacts violently to form hydrogen gas and calcium hydroxide. – Correct
(b) It reacts slowly to form hydrogen gas and calcium hydroxide.
(c) It does not react with water.
(d) It reacts with water to form calcium oxide.

Explanation: Calcium reacts violently with water to form hydrogen gas and calcium hydroxide. This reaction is often used to generate hydrogen gas in laboratories.

Q5. Which of the following is NOT a compound of calcium?

(a) Calcium carbonate
(b) Calcium sulfate
(c) Calcium fluoride
(d) Aluminum chloride – Correct

Explanation: Aluminum chloride is a compound of aluminum, not calcium.

Q6. Calcium is an essential nutrient for humans. It is important for strong bones and teeth, muscle contraction, and blood clotting. Which of the following foods is NOT a good source of calcium?

(a) Milk
(b) Cheese
(c) Broccoli
(d) White bread – Correct

Explanation: White bread is not a good source of calcium. Other good sources of calcium include dairy products, leafy green vegetables, and fortified foods.

Q7. Which of the following is a common use for calcium?

(a) It is used in the production of cement and plaster.
(b) It is used in batteries.
(c) It is used in the manufacture of soap and detergent.
(d) All of the above – Correct

Explanation: Calcium is used in a variety of industrial and commercial applications, including the production of cement and plaster, batteries, and soap and detergent.

Q8. Which of the following is a health risk associated with calcium deficiency?

(a) Osteoporosis
(b) Rickets
(c) Tetany
(d) All of the above – Correct

Explanation: Calcium deficiency can lead to a variety of health problems, including osteoporosis, rickets, and tetany.

Q9. Which of the following is NOT a health risk associated with calcium overdose?

(a) Kidney stones
(b) Constipation
(c) Muscle weakness – Correct
(d) Heart arrhythmia

Explanation: Muscle weakness is not a known health risk associated with calcium overdose. Other potential health risks include kidney stones, constipation, and heart arrhythmia.