Which of the following statements regarding calcium is false?

• A. Calcium reacts with water to produce calcium hydroxide and hydrogen gas.
• B. Calcium has two valence electrons in its outermost shell.
• C. Calcium forms ionic compounds with nonmetals such as chlorine.
• D. Calcium is a transition metal found in period 4 of the periodic table.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Review the position of calcium on the periodic table: Calcium is located in group 2 and period 4, which classifies it as an alkaline earth metal, not a transition metal.
2. Recall the definition of transition metals: Transition metals are elements found in the d-block of the periodic table, typically groups 3 through 12, characterized by partially filled d orbitals.
3. Analyze the chemical behavior of calcium: Calcium has two valence electrons in its outermost shell (4s^2), which it readily loses to form Ca^{2+} ions, leading to ionic compounds with nonmetals like chlorine.
4. Understand the reaction of calcium with water: Calcium reacts with water to form calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)_2) and hydrogen gas (H_2), consistent with the behavior of alkaline earth metals.
5. Conclude that the false statement is the one claiming calcium is a transition metal, as calcium is an alkaline earth metal in period 4, not a transition metal.