Question

Why group 2 elements are harder than alkali metals?

Answer 1

Since group 2 metals have more valence electrons than group 1 metals, they form stronger metallic bonds. Consequentially, they are harder and have higher melting points.in group two elements the second electron enters the s orbital and increased charge on the nucleus creates more attractive force on electrons in the atom around so that the density increases and the elements behave as hard solids than the first group element.