Topic 8B Group 1 & 2 Flashcards
Why does the ionisation energy decrease going down group one and two?
With each successive element, the outermost electron is in a higher quantum shell that is further away from the nucleus and has more energy.
Therefore, the attractive force between the outer electrons and the nucleus will decrease down the group.
So the energy needed to remove an electron will decrease.
Why does the reactivity increase going down groups one and two?
The reactivity decreases because the first ionisation energy decreases meaning that less energy is needed to remove the outermost valence electrons.
Describe the reactions of Group 1 metals with oxygen, chlorine, and with water.
With oxygen:
A solid metal oxide is the only product.
With chlorine:
A solid metal chloride is the only product
With water:
A metal hydroxide and hydrogen gas is formed.
Describe the reactions of Group 2 metals with oxygen, chlorine, and with water.
With oxygen:
A solid metal oxide is the only product.
With chlorine:
A solid metal chloride is the only product
With water:
A metal hydroxide and hydrogen gas is formed.
Magnesium is the exception as it does not react with liquid water.
Instead, it reacts with steam to give magnesium oxide and hydrogen gas.
