Calcium is an alkaline metal that is shown in the periodic table with the symbol Ca and has an atomic number of 20. Calcium oxidizes in the vicinity of air and a dark layer covers it. Calcium is the fifth most abundant element in the earth’s crust and the third metal after iron and aluminum. The most abundant compound of calcium on earth is calcium carbonate, which is usually found in limestone and fossils under the sea. Calcium was unknown to humans as an element until the 17th century, but many of its compounds have been used since ancient times. Calcium compounds are widely used in pharmaceutical and food industries. Calcium compounds are also used in soap production. During this article, after a brief explanation about the element calcium, we will discuss its applications in the industry.
?How is calcium extraction done
Calcium metal is highly active and reactive. For this reason, calcium cannot be found in pure form in nature. Calcium is obtained by electrolysis of calcium chloride. First, calcium fluoride is added to calcium chloride to reduce its melting point from 850 to 650 degrees Celsius. Then it is extracted using electrolysis.
?What are the physical properties of calcium
Calcium melts at 842°C and boils at 1494°C. These values are higher than similar metals such as magnesium. Calcium has a stronger structure than tin metal, but it can be cut with a knife with a little effort. Although calcium is a weaker conductor than copper and aluminum, but in small sizes it can transmit electricity better due to its lower density. Calcium is very active and oxidizes immediately in the vicinity of air. In recent years, studies have been carried out on calcium for use in the aerospace industry.
?What are the uses of calcium
Calcium has many commercial and industrial applications. Since calcium is found in the body of many living organisms and plays a very important role in the skeleton and muscles, that is why it is widely used in the food and pharmaceutical industries. The biological function of calcium is very vital. The most important function of calcium in the body of living organisms is to give strength and shape to the skeleton and bones. In the most primitive form of bone in evolution, this strength was achieved by calcium carbonate. But in the body of humans, reptiles and many sea creatures, this strength is created by calcium phosphate.
General uses of calcium
Calcium is used as a reducing agent in the extraction of other metals such as uranium. Calcium is used to produce other metals in ore processing. Calcium carbonate is widely used to produce cement, mortar and glass. Calcium carbonate is added to toothpaste and food supplements. Calcium carbide is used in the production of plastic and acetylene gas. Calcium phosphate is one of the ingredients of animal food and chemical fertilizers. Calcium and its compounds are used in the production of combustible materials and fireworks. Calcium hydroxide is used in making blackboard chalk.
last word
Calcium is one of the most active and reactive metals that is placed in the first row of the Mendeleev table. For this reason, it generally cannot be found in pure form. Calcium can be highly flammable. For this reason, safety measures must be properly observed in its maintenance and use. Calcium is one of the elements required by the human body and other living organisms. Vitamin D is usually needed to absorb calcium in the human body. As a result, in the pharmaceutical industry, vitamin D is usually used in the composition of calcium supplements. Lastly, calcium is also widely used in industries.
