Tag: Element classification

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the Earth's crust is composed of just eight major elements, making up over 98% of its mass. Understanding what are major and minor elements is crucial across numerous scientific disciplines, from analyzing rocks and minerals to assessing human dietary needs and agricultural productivity.

Trace elements are inorganic compounds vital for biological functions but are required in extremely small quantities, typically less than 100 mg per day. In human nutrition, numerous elements fit this description, including chromium, copper, and iodine. Their importance far outweighs their minimal presence, as imbalances can have serious health consequences.

Calcium (Ca), a reactive metal with atomic number 20, is the most abundant metallic element in the human body and the fifth most abundant element in Earth's crust. As an essential element for life, understanding what group name calcium belongs to is fundamental to grasping its chemical behavior and its widespread importance in nature. It is officially classified as an alkaline earth metal.