Calcium, in its metallic form, is primarily collected through a process involving the displacement of calcium atoms from lime (calcium oxide) using aluminum atoms under specific conditions.
Here's a breakdown of the process:
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Source Material: The primary source of calcium is calcium oxide (CaO), commonly known as lime. Lime is abundant, constituting about 4.2% of the Earth's crust.
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Displacement Reaction: The key step involves a displacement reaction where aluminum (Al) replaces calcium (Ca) in calcium oxide.
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High Temperature and Low Pressure: This reaction is carried out in hot, low-pressure containers. The high temperature provides the energy needed for the reaction to occur, and the low pressure helps to drive the reaction forward and facilitates the removal of calcium vapor.
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Condensation: As calcium atoms are displaced, they vaporize. This calcium vapor is then condensed to obtain metallic calcium.
In summary, the current method for collecting metallic calcium hinges on aluminum displacing calcium from lime under high-temperature and low-pressure conditions, followed by condensation of the calcium vapor.
