Calcium nitrate is a chemical compound. Its molecular formula is Ca(NO3)2. And it is a white color crystalline solid that is soluble in water and alcohol. It is commonly used as a fertilizer, as it contains both calcium and nitrogen, both nutrients essential for plant growth.Â
It is also used in the production of explosives, as an ingredient in wastewater treatment, and as a food preservative. When heated, calcium nitrate decomposes and releases nitrogen dioxide.
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Calcium Nitrate Molar Mass
The molar mass of calcium nitrate (Ca(NO3)2) is calculated by adding the atomic masses of its constituent atoms together.
The atomic mass of calcium (Ca) is 40.08 g/mol.
The atomic mass of nitrogen (N) is 14.01 g/mol.
The atomic mass of oxygen (O) is 16.00 g/mol.
Therefore, calculate the molar mass of calcium nitrate as follows:
(1 × 40.08) + (2 × 14.01) + (6 × 16.00) = 164.09 g/mol
So the molar mass of calcium nitrate is 164.09 g/mol.
Calcium Nitrate PropertiesÂ
Calcium nitrate is a colorless, odorless, and crystalline compound that has the following properties.
1. It is highly soluble in water. And it is also soluble in methanol and ethanol.
2. It can be heated up to the boiling point of 132 °C without decomposing. And it disintegrates before it melts.
3. It is hygroscopic, meaning it readily absorbs moisture from the air.
4. Its density is 2.504 g/cm3.
5. It is an oxidizing agent, which may cause combustion or increase the intensity of a fire.
6. It is used as a fertilizer.
7. It is also used in the production of wastewater treatment, concrete additives, and other chemicals.
Calcium Nitrate Fertilizer
Calcium nitrate is a fertilizer that provides both calcium and nitrogen nutrients to plants. It is used to improve the quality and yield of crops that are prone to calcium deficiency, such as tomatoes, peppers, and strawberries.
It is soluble in water, which makes it easily available to plants. These are applied to the soil as dry granular fertilizers, or as liquid fertilizers through fertigation, which is the application of fertilizers through irrigation systems. Calcium nitrate can also be used as a foliar spray, where it is applied directly to plant leaves.
One of the advantages of using it as a fertilizer is that it is less likely to cause plant burns or damage to plant roots than other nitrogen fertilizers such as ammonium nitrate. Calcium nitrate also has a neutral pH, which helps maintain the pH balance of the soil.
Percentage Composition of Calcium in Calcium Nitrate
The chemical formula of calcium nitrate is Ca(NO3)2 and its molar mass is 164.09 g/mol.
The atomic mass of calcium is 40.08 g/mol, and one molecule of calcium nitrate contains one calcium atom.
Determine the percentage composition of calcium in calcium nitrate, calculating the ratio of the atomic mass of calcium to the molar mass of calcium nitrate.
Calcium % = (Atomic Mass/Molar Mass) x 100
=(40.08 / 164.09) x 100% = 24.4%
The percentage composition of calcium in calcium nitrate is about 24.4%.
Calcium Nitrate is Added to Sodium Hydroxide Solution
When calcium nitrate is added to sodium hydroxide solution, a double displacement reaction occurs forming calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2] and sodium nitrate (NaNO3).
Ca(NO3)2 + 2 NaOH → Ca(OH)2 + 2 NaNO3
In this reaction, the calcium cation (Ca2+) from calcium nitrate (Ca(NO3)2) replaces the sodium cation (Na+) from sodium hydroxide (NaOH), resulting in the formation of calcium hydroxide and sodium nitrate.
