Ca
Calcium
Alkaline EarthAtomic 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.