Alkaline Earth Metals

Elements in this Group

• Beryllium
• Magnesium
• Calcium
• Strontium
• Barium
• Radium

Properties and Fun Facts

• With a decrease in temperature, these elements typically become more soluble.
• In the past "Alkaline Earths" only included oxides of calcium, strontium, and barium. Later, the term came to include the elements that make up the Alkaline Earth Metals we know today.
• Atoms found in the Alkaline Earth Metal elements typically lose two electrons from the outermost level of energy, allowing it to reach the perfect number of electrons.

Real World Examples

• Beryllium is used to make x-ray tubes due to the fact that they are better at letting x-rays through rather than glass.
• Magnesium is used in fertilizers because of its ability to support chlorophyll and help plants get energy from sunlight.
• Building materials including cement, concrete, and marble all contain calcium.
• Source: http://www.scienceclarified.com/everyday/Real-Life-Chemistry-Vol-1/Alkaline...

Calcium (Ca)

Characteristics

Basic Facts

• Atomic Number=20
• Atomic Mass=40.078
• Classified as a metal
• Density= 1.55 g/cm cubed
• Would sink in water

Real World Examples

• Calcium is found in the crust of the Earth; it makes up 3% of the crust.
• Not found on the Earth as a metal, but incorporated in various minerals.
• Calcium is also found in your own human body as it is an essential of life.

Interesting Facts

• Calcium can not be found in nature by itself; it naturally occurs within other minerals
• Calcium forms bones as well as cell walls. Calcium also helps blood clots.
• Calcium reacts with air, water, different halogens, and acids.

History of Calcium

• Calcium was first discovered by Sir Humphrey Davy in England, 1808.
• While Davy was the first to isolate Calcium, it was known to be used as far back as Roman time.