characteristics of alkaline earth metals
Answers
Answer:
Group 2 elements: Alkaline earth metals
The chemistry of alkaline earth metals is very much like that of the alkali metals. However, some differences arise because of reduced atomic and ionic sizes and increased cationic charges in case of alkaline earth metals. Their oxides and hydroxides are less basic than the alkali metal oxides and hydroxides.
Atomic radii: The atomic radii of alkaline earth metals are larger but smaller compared to corresponding alkali metals. It increases down the group.
Ionic radii: The ionic radii increase as we go down the group.
Ionization enthalpy: value decreases down the group.
Hydration enthalpy: decreases as the size of the metal ion increases down the group.
Oxidation State: All the members of the family exhibit +2 oxidation state and form divalent cations.
Chemical features of alkali metals:
Reducing character: Alkaline earth metals are weak reducing agents.
Reaction with oxygen: Form oxides (MO) on heating with excess of oxygen with exception of Ba and Ra which form peroxides (MO2)
Reaction with halogen: combine directly with halogen to form corresponding halides.
Reaction with water: Elements of this group are less reactive with water because they are less electropositive in nature.
Reaction with hydrogen: The members of this group except Be combine with hydrogen directly upon heating to form metal hydrides.
Answer: The alkaline earth metals also called beryllium family The member of this group are beryllium, magnesium, calcium, strontium, barium, radium. The valence shell contains two electrons. They are metals so in reaction with any gase they lose their electron and form divalent positive ions they have high melting and boiling point than alkali metals
Explanation: