Final answer:
Calcium reacts with water to produce calcium hydroxide and hydrogen gas, and the balanced chemical equation is: Ca(s) + 2H2O(l) → Ca(OH)2(aq) + H2(g).
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks if a reaction would occur between calcium and water, and if so, to write the balanced chemical equation. When calcium reacts with water, it indeed undergoes a chemical reaction. Calcium is an alkaline earth metal and is reactive with water, although not as reactive as the alkali metals. In this reaction, calcium reacts with water to form calcium hydroxide and hydrogen gas. The balanced chemical equation for this reaction is:
Ca(s) + 2H2O(l) → Ca(OH)2(aq) + H2(g)
This reaction is a single-replacement reaction where calcium displaces hydrogen from water, resulting in the formation of an aqueous solution of calcium hydroxide and hydrogen gas.