Calcium reacts in water
Calcium is one of the important minerals that are often added to mineral waters. But how does calcium dissolve in water? With a little background knowledge, you can easily understand the chemical process.
Calcium reacts in an aqueous medium
- The fact that calcium reacts with water is understandable due to its properties.
- Like all other alkaline earth metals, calcium has two electrons in the outer shell. Basically, the elements strive to fill the outer shell with a total of eight electrons, because in this case an energetically favorable state is achieved (noble gas configuration).
- Calcium strives to donate two electrons to achieve this state.
- Therefore, calcium likes to react, for example with water. This reaction already takes place at room temperature according to the following equation: Ca + 2 H2O( Ca (OH) + H2.
- When calcium reacts with water, calcium hydroxide and hydrogen are formed. The calcium hydroxide is water-soluble, which is why it remains in the liquid. The hydrogen gas produced, on the other hand, escapes.
- The reaction product calcium hydroxide is a lye that can be detected as such using a universal indicator.
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Effect of calcium in water
- The addition of certain amounts of calcium can have a positive effect on the pH value of the water; the element is an important component of water hardness and, as a buffer, has a stabilizing effect on the pH value.
- The addition of calcium also improves the taste of the water, which is why the substance is used in the production of mineral water.
- Last but not least, calcium-containing mineral waters have a positive effect on health; the substance has proven to be an important mineral for the prevention of osteoporosis. Part of the daily calcium requirement can be covered with mineral water.
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