Calcium

Calcium is a mineral most often associated with healthy bones and teeth, although it also plays an important role in blood clotting, helping muscles to contract, and regulating normal heart rhythms and nerve functions.

Calcium is a mineral your body needs to build and maintain strong bones and to carry out many important functions. Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body. Almost all calcium in the body is stored in bones and teeth, giving them structure and hardness.

Hydrogen

Identity.

Calcium is a chemical element; it has symbol Ca and atomic number 20. As an alkaline earth metal, calcium is a reactive metal that forms a dark oxide-nitride layer when exposed to air. Its physical and chemical properties are most similar to its heavier homologues strontium and barium.

Atomic Structure:

The nuclear composition of an atom of calcium-40 (atomic number: 20), the most common isotope of this element consists of 20 protons and 20 neutrons. 20 electrons occupy available electron shells (rings).

History.

Calcium's story stretches back millions of years, woven into the Earth's very bones. Locked within rocks and seashells, this crucial element silently shaped our planet. Fast forward to ancient civilizations, and we see the first glimpses of its human connection. Egyptians used limestone, rich in calcium carbonate, to build their mighty pyramids. Romans employed lime, another calcium compound, to create their enduring structures.

Though these societies harnessed calcium's practical benefits, its true identity remained a mystery. It wasn't until the 19th century that science unlocked the secret. In a flash of electricity, Sir Humphry Davy isolated pure calcium for the first time, forever etching his name in the element's history. From ancient foundations to scientific breakthroughs, calcium's journey continues to surprise and intrigue.

Paracelsus

Usage.

Calcium is a mineral your body needs to build and maintain strong bones and to carry out many important functions. Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body. Almost all calcium in the body is stored in bones and teeth, giving them structure and hardness.

  • Building strong bones and teeth:Plastic production and disposal contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, air and water pollution, and litter. Using less plastic would help to reduce all of these problems.
  • Supporting muscle function:Calcium helps muscles contract and relax properly, essential for movement and coordination.
  • Neutralizing acidity: Calcium compounds can help neutralize acid rain and soil acidity, protecting plants and other organisms.
Some of the benefits of using calcium are:
  • Calcium helps muscles contract and relax properly, which is important for movement and coordination. It also helps transmit nerve signals throughout the body.
  • Calcium helps regulate blood pressure by constricting and relaxing blood vessels.
  • Calcium is involved in many important cellular processes, such as cell division and communication.

Sources.

Calcium, the powerhouse mineral, keeps your body moving and grooving in more ways than one! From building strong bones and teeth to supporting muscle function and nerve transmission, it's essential for overall health. Luckily, there are many delicious ways to get your daily dose. Dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese are classic sources, but don't forget the plant-based options! Leafy greens like kale and collard greens, nuts and seeds, and even fortified foods like cereals and tofu can all contribute to your calcium intake.

Properties.

Calcium, a silvery-white metal, is a vital element for life. It's the fifth most abundant element in Earth's crust and plays a starring role in bones, teeth, and seashells. Beyond its structural prowess, calcium conducts electricity, reacts readily with water, and even burns with a brilliant red flame! In the human body, calcium ions dance across cell membranes, enabling muscle contractions, nerve impulses, and a symphony of other essential functions. This versatile element truly embodies the dynamic balance between strength and reactivity.