Reactions of group 2 elements

• Reactivity increases down group 2 because:

  Shielding of the outer electrons increases.

  The outer electrons are also further away from the nucleus, as atomic radius increases.
• Group 2 metals examples:

  • Magnesium
  • Calcium
  • Strontium
  • Barium
• The size of the metal atoms increases down group 2.

  The shielding of the outer electrons increases.

  The outer electrons require less energy to be removed, so the metal is more reactive.