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Does calcium react with air?

Published in Chemistry 1 min read

Yes, calcium reacts with air, especially when heated.

Calcium metal reacts with the oxygen present in the air. While the reaction can be slow at room temperature, it becomes rapid when calcium is heated. This is because the increased temperature provides the activation energy needed for the reaction to occur at a noticeable rate. The reaction produces calcium oxide (CaO).

Furthermore, calcium also reacts with nitrogen in the air, particularly at higher temperatures, to form calcium nitride (Ca3N2).

In summary, calcium undergoes oxidation and nitridation when exposed to air, with the rate of reaction increasing significantly at elevated temperatures.

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