Group 2 - Alkali Metals Flashcards
What charge do Group II metals form when they react?
2+ ions
Group II metals lose two electrons to achieve a full outer shell.
How does the atomic radius of Group II metals change down the group?
Increases
This increase is due to additional electron shells.
What effect does increased electron shielding have on the reactivity of Group II metals?
Increases reactivity
The outer electrons become easier to lose.
How does the first ionisation energy of Group II metals change down the group?
Decreases
This is due to a greater atomic radius and increased amounts of shielding.
What is the trend of melting points for Group II metals as you move down the group?
Decreases
Larger ions within the metallic structure result in weaker attractive forces.
What do Group II metals produce when they react with water?
Metal hydroxide and hydrogen
This is a redox reaction resulting in an alkaline solution.
In the reaction Mg + 2H2O, what is produced?
Mg(OH)2 and H2
Magnesium is oxidised from oxidation state 0 to +2.
How does magnesium react with liquid water compared to steam?
Very slowly with liquid water; faster with steam
Steam provides extra energy, causing a more vigorous reaction.
What does magnesium produce when it reacts with steam?
MgO and H2
The reaction burns with a bright white flame.
Fill in the blank: The Group II metals are known as the _______ metals.
alkali
This is due to their reaction with water forming alkaline solutions.
What charge do Group II metals form when they react?
2+ ions
Group II metals lose two electrons to achieve a full outer shell.
How does the atomic radius of Group II metals change down the group?
Increases
The increase is due to additional electron shells.
What effect does increased electron shielding have on the reactivity of Group II metals?
Increases reactivity
Outer electrons are easier to lose due to increased shielding.
How does the first ionisation energy of Group II metals change down the group?
Decreases
This is due to greater atomic radius and increased shielding.
What happens to the melting points of Group II metals as you move down the group?
Decreases
Larger ions in the metallic structure result in weaker attractive forces.
What type of reaction occurs when Group II metals react with water?
Redox reaction
They produce a metal hydroxide and hydrogen.
What is the product of magnesium reacting with water?
Mg(OH)₂ and H₂
The reaction forms an alkaline solution.
What is the oxidation state change of magnesium when it reacts with water?
From 0 to +2
Oxidation is defined as loss of electrons.
How does magnesium react with steam compared to liquid water?
Reacts much faster
Steam provides extra energy, resulting in a bright white flame.
What is formed when magnesium reacts with steam?
MgO and H₂
Magnesium oxide is produced as a white powder.
