3.1.2 - Group 2 Flashcards
How many electrons in the outer shell of group 2 elements?
2
What happens to reactivity as you go down the group?
Increases
Why does ionisation energy decrease as you go down the group?
Due to increasing atomic radius and shielding, making it easier to lose electrons from the outer shell.
What happens to the oxidation number of group 2 elements when they react?
They are oxidised so increases from 0 to +2
What is formed when they react with water?
Hydroxides and hydrogen.
What happens when they react with oxygen?
They form oxides.
What happens when they react with dilute acid?
They produce a salt and hydrogen.
What happens to reactions with water and acid as you go down the group?
They become more vigorous.
What makes the metal hydroxides alkali?
The hydroxide ions
What are all metal hydroxides?
Soluble
Which oxide is an exception and why?
Magnesium oxide as it only reacts slowly and the hydroxide isn’t very soluble.
Why are the oxides form more alkali as you go down the group?
The hydroxides get more soluble.
How is calcium hydroxide used?
In agriculture to neutralise acidic soils.
What is magnesium hydroxide and calcium carbonate used for?
To treat indigestion by neutralising stomach acid.
When else is calcium carbonate used?
In the building industry and in the manufacture of glass and steel.
