Group 2 metals

• Why can group 2 elements be called reducing agents?

  It will lose 2 electrons when reacting with another species and hence the metal becomes oxidised and reduces the other species.
• What is the trend in reactivity for group 2 metals?

  Increase reactivity going down the group?
• Why does reactivity increase going down group 2?

  Atomic radius increases and therefore the nuclear attraction between the nucleus and outer electrons decreases. There are more shells and so inner shell shielding is increased where electron pairs repel each other. These all make it easier for the element to lose its outer electrons and react.
• Redox reaction of group 2 metal and oxygen?


  Group 2 metal - oxidised

  Oxygen - reduced
• Redox reaction of group 2 metal and water?

  Group 2 metal - oxidised

  Water (hydrogen) - reduced
• Redox reaction of group 2 metal and dilute acid?

  Group 2 metal - oxidised

  Hydrogen - reduced
• Group 2 compound reaction with water?

  Forms an alkaline solution and metal hydroxide, when saturated will form a solid precipitate because it is only partially soluble in water.
• Uses of group 2 compounds?

  Neutralises pH of acidic soils in agriculture

  Can be used in medicine to neutralise stomach acid - milk of magnesia to treat heart burn