Ca

    Calcium

    Alkaline Earth

    Atomic Number: 20 • Atomic Mass: 40.0780 u • Period: 4 • Group: 2

    Electron Configuration: 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 4s²
    Phase: Solid
    Electronegativity: 1

    Physical & Chemical Properties

    Physical Properties

    • Silvery-white, relatively soft metal
    • Fifth most abundant element in Earth's crust
    • Melting point of 1115 K (842°C)
    • Readily oxidizes in air forming a protective layer
    • Medium density of 1.54 g/cm³
    Melting Point

    1115 K (841.85 °C, 1547.33 °F)

    Boiling Point

    1757 K (1483.85 °C, 2702.93 °F)

    Density

    1.54 g/cm³

    Electronegativity

    1 (Pauling scale)

    Chemical Properties

    • Reacts with water to produce hydrogen gas and calcium hydroxide
    • Forms ionic compounds with many non-metals
    • Predominantly exists in the +2 oxidation state
    • Essential element for living organisms
    • Important component in shell formation and bone structure

    Electron Configuration

    1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 4s²

    Electron configuration describes how electrons are distributed in atomic orbitals, showing how they are arranged in energy levels and subshells.