Calcium ion

A calcium atom that has lost two electrons, giving it a 2+ charge. In aqueous and biological systems, Ca²⁺ participates in ionic bonding, mineral formation, and cellular signaling.

Ionization energy: The energy required to remove an electron from an atom or ion in the gas phase. Calcium’s first two ionization energies determine how readily it forms Ca²⁺.
Calcium: A chemical element with atomic number 20 and symbol Ca. The calcium ion is the element’s common positively charged form.
Hydroxyapatite: A calcium phosphate mineral that forms the principal inorganic component of vertebrate bones and teeth. Calcium ions are incorporated into this mineral during bone and tooth formation.
Magnesium ion: A magnesium atom that has lost two electrons, giving it a 2+ charge. Mg²⁺ has the same charge as Ca²⁺ but is smaller and binds biological sites differently.
Ionic bonding: Chemical bonding driven by electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions. Ca²⁺ forms ionic compounds by attracting negatively charged ions.
Cation: An ion with a net positive electrical charge. Ca²⁺ belongs to this class because it has lost electrons.
Calcium signaling: Cellular communication in which changes in cytosolic calcium concentration regulate proteins and processes. Ca²⁺ acts as a widely used intracellular signal.
Sodium ion: A sodium atom that has lost one electron, giving it a 1+ charge. Na⁺ is monovalent, unlike divalent Ca²⁺, and serves different cellular roles.
Solvation: The process in which solvent molecules surround and interact with dissolved particles. Water molecules stabilize Ca²⁺ in aqueous solution.
Electron: A negatively charged subatomic particle found in atoms and ions. Losing two electrons gives calcium its 2+ charge.

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