Calcium | About The Element And The Following Uses
CALCIUM – In this topic, we are going to know and learn the element Calcium and some of its following uses.
It is a chemical element with the symbol Ca, and the atomic number 20, hence, it is 20Ca. It is the fifth most abundant element in the crust of the Earth, as well as the third most abundant metal.
It is derived from the Latin term calx, which means “lime”, in reference to obtaining this element from heating limestone.
This element is an alkaline earth metal which is reactive and forms a dark oxide-nitride layer when exposed to air. It has a similar physical and chemical properties to its heavier homologues strontium and barium.
The element’s compounds are widely used in many industries, among them include in foods and pharmaceuticals, paper industry and soap manufacture.
Uses
Here are some of its uses, according to Rsc:
- Reducing and Alloying Agent
- The metal is used as a reducing agent in preparing other metals such as thorium and uranium, as well as an alloying agent for aluminum, beryllium, copper, lead and magnesium alloys.
- Compounds
- As mentioned above, it is widely used many industries, among them include in foods and pharmaceuticals, paper industry and soap manufacture.
- Gypsum
- Also known as calcium sulfate, it is used by builders as a plaster and by nurses for setting bones. It is known as a ‘plaster of Paris’.
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