The alkaline earth metals

• What do group 2 elements electron configuration end in?

  S2
• Trend in atomic radius down group?

  Increases down the group
• Trend in ionisation energy down group?

  Decreases down the group, increased shielding, weaker attraction between nucleus and outer electrons.
• Trend in MP down group?

  Decreases down the group, all have metallic bonding, as atomic radius increases, the nucleus is further from the delocalised electrons so the force of attraction is weaker and easier to overcome.
• How do group 2 metals react with water?

  Form alkaline substances - metal hydroxides (2 hydroxides per atom)
• Trend in reactivity with water down group?

  Reactivity with water increases down the group, atom gets larger, electrons further from nucleus and easier to remove electron, so more reactive
• What is the exception of magnesium and its reaction with water/steam?

  Reacts very slowly with water to form metal hydroxide, reacts super quick with steam to form MgO
• How do the solubility of metal sulfates change down a group?

  The metal sulfates become less soluble down the group
• How do the solubility of metal hydroxides change down a group?

  Solubility of metal hydroxides increases down the group
• How are acidic soils neutralised?


  Spray calcium hydroxide onto soil to neutralise the acidic soil
• How to neutralise antacids?

  magnesium hydroxide neutralises antacids in your stomach
• ionic equation for neutralisation?

  H+ + OH- --> H2O
• What is a barium meal?

  Barium sulfate helps identify issues in digestive tract. It is consumed which coats the linings of soft tissues like your stomach. X-rays absorbed by barium sulfate, normally soft tissues don't absorb x-rays so x-rays go straight through and can't be seen
• Why are barium sulfates safe to consume?

  Barium compounds are toxic, but barium sulfate is insoluble so barium meals are safe and can't be absorbed by blood
• What group 2 metal helps extract titanium?

  Magnesium
• How is titanium oxide converted to titanium chloride?

  heated with chlorine gas and carbon to form TiCl4
• What is the next step of extracting Ti after TiCl4 is formed?

  Fractional distillation to purify the TiCl4, before it's reduced using magnesium in a 1000 degree C furnace
• What is the reaction of TiCl4 and magnesium?

  TiCl4 + 2Mg --> Ti + 2MgCl2
• What are benefits of titanium?

  Light weight, super strong, used in planes
• How do we remove sulfur dioxide?

  An alkali neutralises the SO2 in flue gases by spraying Calcium carbonate/oxide dissolved in water on acidic gas to neutralise
• What is the product of CaCO3 and SO2?

  CaSO3 + water and CO2
• What can calcium sulfite be used for?

  Used in plasterboards