Periodic table Alkaline earth metals definition chemistry

#Periodic table Alkaline earth metals definition chemistry full

Beryllium is used in the manufacture of alloys.

By using barium, vacuum tubes can be made airless.

Radium is employed for cancer treatment.

Ca 2+ ions are essential components for the formation of bones and teeth.

Magnesium, an important constituent of chlorophyll in green parts of plants takes part in photosynthesis.

Reaction of alkaline earth metals with Oxygen Reaction of alkaline earth metals with water Reaction of alkaline earth metals with dilute HCl Reaction of alkaline earth metals with dilute H 2SO 4 Reaction of alkaline earth metals with Halogen Reaction of alkaline earth metals with liquid ammonia Uses of Alkaline earth metals On descending within the group, the elements in group 2 become more electropositive.Ĭalcium, strontium, and barium react similarly to sodium but are somewhat less reactive.Įxcept for beryllium, all metals create oxides in the air at ambient temperature. The chemical behavior of alkaline earth metals is characterized by their great reducing power, which allows them to produce bivalent cations (M 2+) extremely quickly. Physical Properties of Alkaline earth metals ElementsĬhemical Properties of Alkaline earth metal

relatively low melting and boiling points.Ītomic Properties of Alkaline earth metals Elements.

Some of the common properties of Group 2 elements are: There is a maximum of two electrons that can occupy the s orbital. The principal quantum number n fills the s orbital. The name 'alkaline earths' comes from an old name for the oxides of the elements. The s-block in the periodic table of elements occupies the alkali metals and alkaline earth metals, also known as groups 1 and 2.

They burn with various colored flames as follows: beryllium (white), magnesium (bright white), calcium (red), strontium (crimson), barium (green), and radium (red).

Ultimately, each element in alkaline earth metals is in a +2-oxidation state. Interesting Facts about Alkaline Earth Metals.

#Periodic table Alkaline earth metals definition chemistry full

These elements have the general electrical configuration: ns 2Īlkaline earth metals have full s-orbital in their respective valence shells, so they quickly can lose two electrons to create +2 cations. Also, the name “ earth” refers to that group 2 metals, like calcium and magnesium, are among the prevalent elements of the planet’s crust. The term “ alkaline” refers to the fact that when these elements combine with oxygen, they produce basic compounds. This group includes the elements beryllium (Be), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), strontium (Sr), barium (Ba), and radium (Ra). What are Alkaline earth metals?Īlkaline earth metals are the elements that belong to group 2 of the periodic table i.e., the second vertical column. The physical and chemical properties of the elements in this group are very similar as the main objective of the periodic table is to study the elements and their compounds in a structured way and organized manner. These are the Group 2 elements in the periodic table. Essentially, the heavier the alkaline earth metal, the more vigorously it will react with water.Alkaline earth metals are composed primarily of six elements: beryllium (Be), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), strontium (Sr), barium (Ba), and radium (Ra). All of the alkaline earth metals except beryllium and magnesium also react with water to produce hydrogen gas and their respective hydroxides (magnesium will react with steam, however). As a result, they are not found in nature in their elemental state.Īll but one of the alkaline earth metals react with the halogens ( chlorine, fluorine etc.) to form ionic compounds (beryllium chloride is the exception, because the bonding is covalent). Metallic bonds in the alkaline earth metals are thus stronger than for the alkali metals, resulting in higher melting points, but they are still quite reactive because the two outer electrons are easily lost.

The term 'earth' is historical it was the generic name used by alchemists for the oxides of these elements (which at one time were thought to be elements in their own right).Īll of the elements of group two have two electrons in their outer shell. Like the alkali metals, they form alkaline solutions when they react with water. The elements in this group, which are all shiny and silvery-white in appearance, are known as the alkaline earth metals. Group two of the periodic table comprises the elements beryllium, magnesium, calcium, strontium, barium and radium. The alkali metals (highlighted) occupy group one in the periodic table