Is calcium a metal or nonmetal
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Is Calcium a Metal or Nonmetal?
Classification of Calcium: Alkaline-Earth Metal
Calcium (Ca) is classified as an alkaline-earth metal, which places it in Group 2 (IIA) of the Periodic Table, alongside magnesium and strontium1 2. This classification is based on its chemical properties and its position in the periodic table.
Physical Properties of Calcium Metal
Pure calcium is a bright, silvery-white metal that is extremely soft and ductile1 2. However, it does not occur freely in nature and is usually found in various compounds. When exposed to normal atmospheric conditions, calcium quickly forms an oxide layer on its surface1 2.
Chemical Reactivity of Calcium
Calcium is highly reactive, particularly with water, where it liberates hydrogen and forms calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2)1 2. It also reacts with fluorine at room temperature and with other halogens at elevated temperatures (around 400°C)1 2. This high reactivity necessitates careful packaging and storage, often in sealed argon-filled containers to prevent unwanted reactions1 2.
Industrial Uses of Calcium
Calcium is primarily used as a reducing agent for many reactive metals and as a desulfurizer and deoxidizer for ferrous metals and alloys1 2. It is also used as an alloying agent for aluminum, silicon, and lead, and plays a significant role in the manufacture of lead-acid batteries and permanent magnets1 2.
Conclusion
In summary, calcium is unequivocally classified as a metal, specifically an alkaline-earth metal. Its physical properties, high reactivity, and various industrial applications further affirm its classification as a metal.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
NLTE determination of the calcium abundance and 3D corrections in extremely metal-poor stars
The calcium abundance in extremely metal-poor stars is solar, with a slightly higher value than previous estimates, and the scatter of [X/Ca] ratios is generally smaller than the scatter of [X/Mg] ratios, except for oxygen.
Calcium Valence-to-Core X-ray Emission Spectroscopy: A Sensitive Probe of Oxo Protonation in Structural Models of the Oxygen-Evolving Complex
Calcium VtC XES is a sensitive probe for oxo protonation in the oxygen-evolving complex, potentially addressing unresolved questions about biological water oxidation mechanisms.
Use of Calcium in Alloys: From Modifying to Alloying
Calcium-containing aluminum alloys offer reduced density, improved operational properties, increased corrosion resistance, and high manufacturability in various applications.
Calcium–bismuth electrodes for large-scale energy storage (liquid metal batteries)
Calcium-bismuth electrodes show promising potential for large-scale electrochemical energy storage, with high coulombic efficiencies and excellent reversibility up to 200 mA cm(-2).
Highly CitedEffects of calcium at toxic concentrations of cadmium in plants
Enhanced calcium levels in plants improve their resistance to cadmium stress, enhancing growth, metal uptake, photosynthesis, oxidative damage, and signal transduction.
Literature Review
Rigorous JournalHighly CitedCalcium-based multi-element chemistry for grid-scale electrochemical energy storage
A long-cycle-life calcium-metal-based rechargeable battery for grid-scale energy storage can be achieved by deploying multiple chemical mitigation strategies and alloyed negative electrodes, reducing operating temperature and enhancing performance.
Highly CitedThe metal-nonmetal transition
The metal-nonmetal transition can occur through band overlap, Anderson transition, and nonmetallic behavior in disordered systems, with some transitions not involving magnetic moments or structural change.
Highly CitedCalcium—Nutrient and Messenger
Calcium is essential for plant growth and development, and serves as a second messenger in various developmental and physiological processes, including defense against biotic stress.
Highly Cited