QQuestionChemistry
QuestionChemistry
Locate the element calcium (Ca) on the periodic table and read about its properties. Why might calcium be important in the diet of many living things?
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Answer
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Step 1: Identify the atomic number and location of calcium on the periodic table.
Calcium (Ca) is an element with atomic number 20. It is located in the second column (Group 2) of the periodic table, under the s-block, making it an alkaline earth metal.
Step 2: Understand the general properties of calcium.
Calcium is a soft, silvery-white metal that is highly reactive. It readily forms a grayish-white oxide and nitride layer when exposed to air. Calcium is essential for living organisms as it plays a crucial role in various biological processes.
Final Answer
Calcium is an essential element in the diet of many living organisms due to its crucial roles in bone health, nerve impulse transmission, muscle contraction, and blood clotting. Calcium deficiency can lead to various health issues, such as osteoporosis, rickets, and hypocalcemia.
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