Group 2 Elements

Question 1

What are the G2 elements?

Answer 1

Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Ra

Question 2

General characteristics of G2 elements?

Answer 2

• Alkaline earth metals
• Very reactive
• Different crystalline structures
• Good reducing agents
• Give ionic compounds
• Basic oxides and hydroxides

Question 3

Special properties of Be

Answer 3

• More covalent
• Small ionic sonic
• Amphoteric, not basic oxide
• Forms complexes more readily than others.
• Will dissolve in alkali

Question 4

Uses of G2 elements

Answer 4

Be - In nuclear reactor as moderator
Mg - Metal alloys for aircraft structures
Ca - Medicine
Sr - Radiochemistry
Ba - Forms alloys with other metals

Question 5

Explain barium meal

Answer 5

Barium sulphate is used in medicine. When ingested, an x-ray of the stomach can be taken to aid diagnosis.

Question 6

Which of the G2 elements produces an oxide that is not soluble in water? Which oxide is it?

Answer 6

BeO

Question 7

When will MgO dissolve in water?

Answer 7

When its surface area is increased, like in powder form. It gives Mg(OH)2.

Question 8

What is the use of magnesium hydroxide?

Answer 8

It is used as an antacid (milk of magnesia) because of its mildly basic nature.

Question 9

General characteristics of G2 oxides and hydroxides

Answer 9

• Generally soluble in water.
• BeO and Be(OH)2 are amphoteric.
• Basicity increases down the group

Question 10

Which G2 compounds are used to detect CO2?

Answer 10

Ca(OH)2 - limewater, Ba(OH)2 - baryata

Question 11

How are the hydroxides of Ca and Ba made?

Answer 11

By reacting their oxides with water.