Final answer:
The element preceding calcium (Ca) on the periodic table in group 18 is argon (Ar), which is the noble gas being referred to in the question.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question requires an understanding of the periodic table, specifically regarding the element calcium (Ca). Calcium, with the atomic number 20, is an alkaline earth metal positioned in group 2 of the periodic table. The atomic number indicates that calcium has 20 protons in its nucleus.
Noble gases are located in group 18 of the periodic table and have full outer electron shells, which makes them very stable. The noble gases include helium (He), neon (Ne), argon (Ar), krypton (Kr), xenon (Xe), and radon (Rn). Given the context that we are discussing calcium (Ca), the correct noble gas for the item listed as 'Do the same (32-36) for the element Ca...' would be the noble gas preceding calcium in the periodic table, which is argon (Ar).