Introduction:
| Symbol | : | Ca |
|---|---|---|
| Atomic number | : | 20 |
| Melting point | : | 824°C |
| Density (near r.t) | : | 1.55g/cm3 |
| Form | : | Sticks |
Characteristics:
- Calcium is a silvery-white, soft metal that tarnishes rapidly in air and reacts with water.
- Calcium metal is used as a reducing agent in preparing other metals such as thorium and uranium.
- It is also used as an alloying agent for aluminium, beryllium, copper, lead and magnesium alloys.
- As an alkaline earth metal, calcium is a reactive metal that forms a dark oxide-nitride layer when exposed to air.
Applications:
- Calcium metal is used as a reducing agent in preparing other metals such as thorium and uranium.
- It is also used as an alloying agent for aluminium, beryllium, copper, lead and magnesium alloys.
- Calcium compounds are widely used.