Reactivity Trends (8) Flashcards
How many electrons in a Group 2 outer shell
2
What part of the redox reaction do Group 2 elements undergo?
Oxidation. 2 of their electrons are removed in order to have the same structure as the nearest noble gas.
Are Group 2 elements oxidising or reducing agents
They are reducing agents as they are oxidised and the 2 electrons removed from them will be accepted by another element which will become reduced.
Group 2 elements and oxygen
They will react with oxygen to form metal oxides with the molecular formula MO as the +2 and -2 cancel out.
Magnesium + Oxygen
Reacts to make white magnesium oxide and burns with a bright white light. Mg is oxidised and O2 is reduced.
Group 2 elements and water
React to form a metal hydroxide M(OH)2 which is alkali because it releases OH- ions. Water reacts very slowly with the top elements, but as you go down the group it becomes more vigorous.
Magnesium + Water
React really slowly because magnesium isn’t too reactive.
Group 2 elements and dilute acids
metal + acid -> salt + hydrogen
What happens to reactivity down Group 2
As you go down Group 2, the reactivity increases because of the first and second ionisation energies. It is a lot easier to remove the outer electrons on the lower elements due to electron shielding etc.. so the lower you go, the more reactive they are.
Group 2 oxides and water
Makes the group 2 ion and 2 hydroxide ions which means it becomes an alkali solution. If the solution becomes saturated, the M2+ ion and 2OH- ion will combine to make M(OH)2 precipitate.
What happens to solubility of metal hydroxides down Group 2
As you go down the group, the solubility of hydroxides in water will increase because the metals are more reactive so will be more attracted to the water and will result in more OH- ions being released.
What is the trend in pH down Group 2 hydroxides?
The pH will increase as you go down group 2 as it is becoming more alkali as you go down. Magnesium is only slightly soluble in water so it will only release a few OH- ions, whereas Barium is more soluble so, will release a lot more OH- ions and have a bigger pH.
Group 2 compound uses
Used in agriculture or medicine
Group 2 uses in agriculture
The use of Ca(OH2) which is white lime and neutralises acid in soil
Group 2 uses in medicine
Treats acid indigestion by neutralising it, and is called antacid. Neutralised the HCl in your stomach.
How to test for pH of Group 2 oxides
Add a spatula of metal oxide to a test tube and add water. Shake the tube and you won’t have enough water to dissolve all the metal oxide so you will have precipitate at the bottom and a solution which is your metal hydroxide. Test the pH of this to see what you get.
Halogens
Group 7 elements that are the most reactive non-metal elements
How do halogens exist?
As diatomic molecules with simple molecular structures. They exist in all states.
What is the trend of boiling points?
The boiling point will increase down the group and this is because they exist as diatomic molecules, so as you go down the group, the number of electrons increases, so the number of London forces increases. This means that the energy required to break the bond between them will get higher.
Fluorine state and colour
pale yellow gas
Chlorine state and colour
pale green gas
Bromine state and colour
red-brown liquid