3.2.2 - group 2, the alkaline earth metals

Question 1

what observations would you make when the group 2 elements react with water?

Answer 1

fizzing (more vigorous down group)
metal dissolving (faster down group)
solution heating up (more down group)
with calcium a white precipitate appears (less precipitate going down group)

Question 2

what products are formed when the group 2 elements react with water?

Answer 2

the aqueous metal hydroxide (which makes the solution alkaline if it is soluble)
hydrogen gas

Question 3

what observations would you make when magnesium reacts with steam?

Answer 3

magnesium will burn with a bright white flame
a white solid will form

Question 4

what products are formed when magnesium reacts with steam?

Answer 4

solid magnesium oxide
hydrogen gas

Question 5

what is the trend in the relative solubilities of the group 2 hydroxides in water?

Answer 5

the group 2 hydroxides become more soluble as you go down the group

Question 6

how do group 2 hydroxides appear if they are not soluble?

Answer 6

as white precipitates

Question 7

what is the trend in the relative solubilities of the group 2 sulphates in water?

Answer 7

the group 2 sulphates become less soluble as you go down the group