Calcium: Difference between revisions
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Revision as of 01:13, 29 April 2011
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Calcium is a chemical element, having the chemical symbol Ca. Its atomic number (the number of protons) is 20. It has a standard atomic weight of 40.078 g•mol −1, and is a solid in its elemental form.
Calcium is considered to be a member of the "alkaline earth metal" class of element. At a pressure of 101.325 kPa, it has a boiling point of 1,484 °C, and a melting point of 842 °C.
Calcium is essential for life, particularly in cell physiology, where movement of the calcium ion Ca2+ into and out of the cytoplasm functions as a signal for many cellular processes, including neuromuscular contractions. It is also a major material used in mineralization of bones, teeth and shells.