CALCIUM

Calcium is a chemical element with the symbol Ca and atomic number 20. As an
alkaline earth metal, calcium is a reactive metal that forms a dark oxide-nitride layer
when exposed to air.

Reactions Involving Calcium

Calcium + Oxygen  Calcium oxide

2 Ca + O2  2 CaO

Calcium + Cold Water  Calcium Hydroxide + Hydrogen

Ca + 2H2O  Ca(OH)2 + H2

Calcium reacts gently with cold water. The grey granules sink, but are
carried back to the surface as hydrogen is produced. Heat is produced.
The white, insoluble Calcium Hydroxide is formed. Some of it dissolves
to give a colorless solution.

Calcium + Steam  Calcium Oxide + Hydrogen

Ca(s) + H2O(g)  CaO(s) + H2(g)

Calcium + Hydrochloric Acid  Calcium Chloride + Hydrogen

Ca + HCl  Ca(Cl)2 + H2

Calcium Oxide + Hydrochloric Acid  Calcium Chloride + Water

CaO + 2HCl  Ca(Cl)2 + H2O

Calcium Hydroxide + Hydrochloric Acid  Calcium Chloride + Water

CaOH + 2HCl  Ca(Cl)2 + H2O

Calcium Carbonate + Hydrochloric acid  Calcium Chloride + Carbon Dioxide + Water

CaCO3 + 2HCl  Ca(Cl)2 + CO2 + H2O

Calcium + Sulfuric Acid  Calcium Sulfate + Hydrogen

Calcium + Nitric Acid  Calcium Nitrate + Hydrogen
Testing For Calcium Ions

Orange-red flame shows calcium ions.

Lime water – Calcium Bicarbonate

Limestone – Calcium Carbonate
Quicklime – Calcium Oxide

Testing For Carbonate Ions

Add dilute Hydrochloric acid to the salt and look for fizzing. Bubble the gas through
limewater.

Carbon Dioxide + Lime water  Calcium Carbonate + Water

Ca(OH)2(aq) + CO2(g) → CaCO3(s) + H2O

Making Carbon Dioxide

Using Marble Chips

Calcium Carbonate + Hydrochloric acid  Calcium Chloride + Carbon Dioxide + Water

CaCO3+ HCl  CaCl2 + CO2 + H2O

Using Carbonate Decompostion

Calcium Carbonate  Calcium Oxide + Carbon Dioxide

CaCO3  CaO + CO2