The specific gravity of a 38% solution containing calcium is 1.376 at 25 °C (77 °F). It's important to clarify that this value refers to a calcium-containing solution and not to pure elemental liquid calcium.
Understanding Specific Gravity for Calcium Solutions
While the term "liquid calcium" might initially suggest pure elemental calcium in its molten state (which requires extremely high temperatures, above 842 °C), the provided specific gravity value of 1.376 at 25 °C refers to a 38% solution. This typically implies a calcium salt dissolved in water, such as calcium chloride (CaCl₂) or calcium nitrate (Ca(NO₃)₂) solution, which are liquid at room temperature.
Specific gravity is a dimensionless quantity that compares the density of a substance to the density of a reference substance, typically water at 4 °C (for liquids). For calcium solutions, specific gravity is a crucial parameter used in various industrial and agricultural applications.
Key Details from the Reference
The specific gravity provided is highly specific to the given conditions:
- Value: 1.376
- Temperature: 25 °C (77 °F)
- Concentration: 38% solution (by weight, typically)
This data is vital for ensuring correct concentrations and performance in applications where calcium solutions are used.
Practical Applications of Calcium Solutions
Calcium solutions are widely utilized across many industries due to calcium's essential role in various chemical and biological processes. Understanding their specific gravity is critical for:
- Agriculture:
- Fertilizers: Calcium nitrate and calcium chloride solutions are used as liquid fertilizers to supply calcium to plants, improving cell wall strength and preventing disorders like blossom end rot.
- Soil Amendment: Used to adjust soil pH and improve soil structure.
- Food Industry:
- Food Additives: Calcium chloride is used as a firming agent in canned vegetables and dairy products (e.g., cheese production).
- Oil and Gas Industry:
- Drilling Fluids: Calcium chloride brines are used as high-density drilling fluids to control wellbore pressure.
- Industrial Applications:
- De-icing: Calcium chloride solutions are effective de-icing agents for roads and sidewalks.
- Dust Control: Applied to unpaved roads to suppress dust.
- Refrigeration Brines: Used in industrial refrigeration systems due to their low freezing point.
Factors Influencing Specific Gravity of Calcium Solutions
The specific gravity of a calcium solution is primarily influenced by two factors:
- Concentration: As the percentage of dissolved calcium salt in the solution increases, its density, and therefore its specific gravity, generally increase. A 38% solution will be significantly denser than a 10% solution.
- Temperature: Temperature has an inverse relationship with specific gravity for most liquids. As temperature increases, the solution expands, becoming less dense, which leads to a decrease in specific gravity. Conversely, a decrease in temperature results in a higher specific gravity. The specified 25 °C (77 °F) is a standard reference temperature.
Specific Gravity Data for a 38% Calcium Solution
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Specific Gravity | 1.376 |
| Temperature | 25 °C (77 °F) |
| Concentration | 38% solution (by weight, typically) |
| State | Liquid (aqueous solution) |
| Context | Calcium salt dissolved in a solvent |
This precise measurement allows for accurate formulation, quality control, and efficient application in the diverse fields where calcium solutions are utilized.
