Calcium (Ca) has atomic number 20 and is classified as a alkaline earth metal. It sits in Group 2, period 4 of the periodic table. Its practical relevance includes cement and lime, metallurgy, water treatment, construction materials and biological systems.
ELEMENT DATA
Quick facts
#Atomic number20
AaSymbolCa Relative
◉Atomic mass40.078 State at room temperature Solid
⌘Group2
Position in the periodic table
Alkaline earth metals are reactive s-block metals that commonly form +2 ions. Their compounds are important in construction, refractories, metallurgy, chemicals and biological systems.
Calcium belongs to period 4. Its position helps explain recurring trends such as atomic size, bonding behavior, oxidation states and the way it interacts with neighboring elements.
Why Calcium matters
In engineering and technology, calcium is associated with cement and lime, metallurgy, water treatment, construction materials and biological systems. The importance of the element may come from the pure element itself, from compounds containing it, or from its role as an alloying, electronic, catalytic or nuclear material.
Engineering and scientific context
Material behavior should never be inferred from the element name alone. Purity, isotope composition, crystal structure, processing history, temperature and the surrounding chemical environment can all change performance. In alloys and compounds, the contribution of calcium depends on concentration and interaction with the other constituents.
Safety and handling
The hazards associated with Calcium depend on its physical form, purity, compounds, process temperature and exposure route. Engineering decisions should use the applicable safety data sheet and project-specific risk assessment.
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