Calcium

=Calcium=

Element Abbreviation: Ca


Chemical characteristics: Calcium's atomic Number is 20 and it has an atomic mass of 40.078. It melting point is at 840 °C and its boiling point is 1484 °C. Calcium is very reactive for a metal.

Physical Characteristics: Calcium is a soft gray, silvery, alkaline earth metal. It is harder than lead but can it can be cut with a knife.

Where is calcium found in Nature? Calcium is the fifth most abundant element in the earth's crust and makes up more than 3% of its crust. It is in leaves, bones, teeth and shells. Calcium occurs most commonly in sedimentary rocks and it is found in many minerals such as limestone, gypsum and fluorite. It can also be found in igneous and metamorphic rocks.

How is calcium recovered and purified? Calcium has to be extracted by electrolysis to create a salt like calcium chloride (limestone). After it is produced and once it is exposed to air it quickly makes grayish-white oxide and nitride coating. It is difficult to light but when it does calcium burns a high-intensity red color.

How do we use calcium? Calcium is used as a reducing agent during the extractions of metals like uranium, zirconium, and thorium. It is also used for the making of cements and mortars for construction. Calcium is used in milk and is also used for many dairy products.

What products are made from calcium? Dairy products such as Ice cream Yogurt Milk Cheese Also, because it is used to make cement calcium can be found in the foundation of many buildings.

How are these products used? These products are used for us to eat and allow our bones to grow strong. Who uses the products? These products are necessary for daily life. Milk is a significant part of the nutrition pyramid. Therefore everyone should use these products (dairy). Are there any environmental concerns due to this use, and how are waste products disposed of? There are not environmental concerns due to calcium and it does not have any waste products.

Is the element an important nutrient for human health? Calcium is an extremely important nutrient for the health of humans. Calcium plays a big role in building stronger and denser bones earlier in life and keeping bones strong later on in life. 99% of calcium in the body is found in teeth and bones. - Side effects of consuming too much or not enough calcium: An lack of calcium over a long period of time can lead to osteoporosis, where the bones become weak and there is a larger risk of fractures. It can also increase the chance of blood clotting in menopausal woman. Taking in too much calcium is usually not an issue. In rare cases, taking in an extreme amount of calcium over an extended period of time can lead to hypercalcemia. - What are the nutritional requirements The recommend intake of calcium is... Age Calcium (mg/day) 0–6 months 210 7–12 months 270 1–3 years 500 4–8 years 800 9–18 years 1300 19–50 years 1000 51+ years 1200

Sources:

"Calcium -." Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Web. 30 Nov. 2009. . http://www.webelements.com/calcium/

"| Calcium | Essential information." WebElements Periodic Table of the Elements. Web. 30 Nov. 2009. .

The Calcium Information Resource. Web. 30 Nov. 2009. .

MyPyramid.gov - United States Department of Agriculture - Home. Web. 30 Nov. 2009. .