Group 2 - Alkali Metals

Question 1

How does reactivity change down group 2

Answer 1

Increases as it becomes easier to loose an electron due to increased shielding causing weaker nuclear attraction

Question 2

How does melting point change down group 2

Answer 2

Decrease down the group. All are Metallically bonded. The larger the ion the weaker the attraction as attractive forces have to work over a greater distance therfore they are easier to overcome

Question 3

How do group 2 metals react with water

Answer 3

A redox reaction occours that produces a metal hydroxide and hydrogen

The metal hydroxide creates an alkaline solution

Mg + 2H2O -> Mg(OH)2+ H2

Question 4

What happens when Mg reacts with steam

Answer 4

Burns with bright white flame. Forms a white powder

Mg + H2O (g) -> MgO + H2

Question 5

What happens to the solubility of hydroxide down the group

Answer 5

Increases
As a result Magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)2) used to neutralise crops ect

Question 6

What happens to solubility of sulfates down the group

Answer 6

Decreases.
Barium sulfate used in medicine

Question 7

How to test for sulfate ions

Answer 7

Barium chloride will react to form barium sulfate which will create a white precipitate as its insoluble.

Question 8

How to extract metals using Magnesium

Answer 8

Used to extract tin by displacement

TiCl4 + 2Mg -> 2MgCl2 + Ti