Calcium

From Citizendium
Revision as of 01:10, 1 October 2008 by imported>Chris Day
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This article is developing and not approved.
Main Article
Discussion
Related Articles  [?]
Bibliography  [?]
External Links  [?]
Citable Version  [?]
Properties [?]
 
This editable Main Article is under development and subject to a disclaimer.
Calcium
40.078(4)



  Ca
20
[Ar] 4s2 2,4,s
[ ? ] Alkaline Earth Metal:

Calcium is the chemical element with the symbol Ca and atomic number 20.

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.