When you hear the word calcium, ‘bone’ probably comes to mind.

But calcium is used in unexpected places in society.

This article introduces the properties and characteristics of Calcium, its use in society and the etymology of the word.

Let’s look at them one by one, as I will explain them in bite-size pieces!

Properties and characteristics of Calcium

A silvery-white metallic element with a large ionization tendency, it is easily reactive.

Pure calcium is seldom found, as it oxidizes in air and dissolves in water.

Since it is a structural component of bones, probably the most familiar element.

It is well known that milk and small fish contain a lot of it.

How Calcium is used in society.

Calcium is used as an ingredient in ‘anti-freeze’, ‘thermal insulation’ and ‘gypsum’.

Let’s look at each of them.

Calcium is useful” antifreeze”

Anti-freezing agents familiar in Hokkaido and the Tohoku region contain compounds such as calcium chloride.

Calcium chloride acts as a very effective anti-freeze because of its high hygroscopic properties, its ability to prevent solidification, its ice-melting and anti-freeze effects.

Calcium is useful” heat insulator”

Many thermal insulators are made mainly from calcium silicate, which is a lightweight, heat-resistant and heat-retaining material that makes them extremely handy.

In addition to ordinary households, they are also used in industrial plants and are used on a large scale in a wide range of fields and are an essential part of modern society.

Calcium is useful” gypsum”

The main ingredient of gypsum is calcium sulfate, which contains calcium.

In the past, it was widely used in the field of sculpture, and nowadays it is used as a material for ceilings, known as plasterboard.

You get a sense of history when you think that they have been used since the time of ancient Rome. (According to one theory, it was even used in Ancient Egypt in 7000 BC.)

History of Potassium

• Chemical symbol; Ca

The word calcium is derived from the Latin word ‘calx’, meaning ‘lime’.

As for the discovery, it was made in 1808 by the British chemist Davy when he isolated calcium metal.

Summary

In this article, we have explained ‘ Calcium ‘.

The key points of this article are as follows.

Calcium is a metal but has a high ionization tendency and is easily reactive

Used for ‘anti-freeze’, ‘thermal insulation’, ‘gypsum’, etc.

Derived from the Latin word calx meaning lime.

The other elements studied in high school are summarized in the following articles.

Please see also the following pages for a further understanding!