Group 2

Question 1

What are the Group 2 elements?

Answer 1

Beryllium, magnesium, calcium, strontium, barium, and radium.

Question 2

What is the general electronic configuration of Group 2 elements?

Answer 2

[noble gas] ns2

Question 3

How do atomic radius and ionization energy change down Group 2?

Answer 3

Atomic radius increases, and ionization energy decreases due to increased shielding and distance from the nucleus.

Question 4

Why does reactivity increase down Group 2?

Answer 4

Outer electrons are more easily lost because of lower ionization energy.

Question 5

What is the general reaction of Group 2 metals with water?

Answer 5

M (s) + 2H2O (l) → M(OH)2(aq) + H2(g)

Question 6

How does the solubility of Group 2 hydroxides and sulfates change down the group?

Answer 6

Hydroxides become more soluble; sulfates become less soluble.

Question 7

How is barium sulfate used in medicine?

Answer 7

It’s used in X-ray imaging (barium meals) because it’s insoluble and opaque to X-rays.

Question 8

What happens when Group 2 carbonates are heated?

Answer 8

They decompose to form metal oxides and carbon dioxide. Thermal stability increases down the group.

MCO3(s) → MO (s) + CO2(g)

Question 9

What is the reaction of magnesium with steam?

Answer 9

Mg (s) + H2O (g) → MgO (s) + H2(g)

Question 10

What is the test for sulfate ions using a Group 2 compound?

Answer 10

Add BaCl₂ solution and HCl. A white precipitate of BaSO₄ confirms sulfate ions:
Ba 2+(aq) + SO4 2− (aq) → BaSO4(s)

Question 11

Why does melting point generally decrease down Group 2?

Answer 11

Metallic bonding weakens as atomic size increases.