Question

why do alkaline earth metals have a higher ion charge than alkali metals

Answer 1

Answer:

The alkaline earth metals have two valence electrons in their highest-energy orbitals (ns2). They are smaller than the alkali metals of the same period, and therefore have higher ionization energies. In most cases, the alkaline earth metals are ionized to form a 2+ charge.

Answer 2

Answer:

Because of their higher positive charge (+2) and smaller ionic radii, the alkaline earth metals have a much greater tendency to form complexes with Lewis bases than do the alkali metals. This tendency is most important for the lightest cation (Be2+) and decreases rapidly with the increasing radius of the metal ion.

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