Question

The metals of group 2 from top to bottom are Be, Mg, Ca,Sr and Ba (I) which one of these elements will form ions most readily and why? (II) State the common feature in their electronic configuration

Answer 1

every atom forms ions only when the transfer of electrons takes place through it.....these are group 2 elements i.e. alkaline earth metals ......tendency to lose electrons or gain electrons i.e.to form ions icreases down the group with increase in atomic radii..... hence Ba will be more readily ionised......

common feature among them is that they normally show +2 Oxidation state.....