3.1.2 Group 2

Question 1

What ions do group two elements form ?

Answer 1

lose electrons to form 2+ ions

Question 2

What happens to ionisation energy down group two ?

Answer 2

• IONISATION ENERGY DECREASES
• atomic radius increases
• shielding increases
• causes decreased attraction between the nucleus and outer electrons

Question 3

What happens to reactivity down group two ?

Define reducing agent

Answer 3

• REACTIVITY INCREASES
• ionisation energy decreases (due to increased atomic radius and shielding)
• electrons are lost more easily
• so group two elements become stronger reducing agents

can bring about reduction by being oxidised and losing electrons

Question 4

What is produced in the reaction between a group two metal and oxygen ?

Answer 4

solid white oxide

Question 5

What is produced in the reaction between a group two metal and water ?

Answer 5

metal hydroxide and hydrogen

Question 6

What is produced in the reaction between a group two metal and a dilute acid ?

Answer 6

salt and hydrogen

Question 7

What is produced in the reaction between a group two oxide and water?

Answer 7

metal hydroxide

Question 8

Describe the solubility of metal hydroxides

Answer 8

slightly soluble in water so form alkaline solutions of OH- ions
- when the solution becomes saturated with hydroxide a solid precipitate forms

Question 9

Why does the solubility of metal hydroxides increase down group two?

Answer 9

• metal ions get larger so charge density increases
• lower attraction between OH- ions and larger ions
• ions split more easily
• so there is a greater concentration of OH- ions in the solution making it more alkaline

Question 10

Give a practical use of calcium carbonate

Answer 10

neutralising soil in agriculture

Question 11

Give a practical use of magnesium hydroxide and calcium carbonate

Answer 11

indigestion tablets
(only very slightly soluble which means it won’t be absorbed into the bloodstream)