Calcium

Atomic Number: 20
Symbol: Ca
Atomic Mass: 40.08 u
Number of Neutrons: 20
Melting Point: 842°C
Boiling Point: 1484°C
Electrons per shell: 2.8.8.2
Ion charge: 2+
Electron configuration: [Ar] 4s2


Calcium is the 20th element in the periodic table and it part of the alkali-earth metals. It is a very important mineral because it makes our bones strong. Also, calcium enables our muscles to contract, and our heart to beat. This element can be found in different foods such as milk, cheese, and bread. Calcium is found under the ground in the earths crust. It is the 5th most abundant element in the earths crust but is only found in ores or minerals like limestone (calcium carbonate), dolomite (calcium magnesium carbonate), and gypsum (calcium sulfate). Calcium is pretty simular to strontium and barium but it's just a bit lighter. This element was first discovered by Sir Humphry Davy in 1808. Calcium was named after the Latin word "calx" meaning "lime". I assume that it was named after lime because of an ore calcium can be found in, limestone.

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References

“Calcium.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 8 Jan. 2021, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calcium.

“Calcium.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., www.britannica.com/science/calcium.

“File:Electron Shell 020 Calcium - No Label.svg.” File:Electron Shell 020 Calcium - No Label.svg - Wikimedia Commons, 12 Sept. 2020, commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Electron_shell_020_Calcium_-_no_label.svg.