Trends of properties of group 2

Melting point ___ down the group

Increases

Why does melting point increase down the group?

* Ion cores have lager radii
* Free electrons experience less attraction to nucleus as they are further away from it
* Metallic bonding is weaker and less energy needed to overcome

Atomic radius ___ down the group

Increases

Why does atomic radius increase down the group?

Each element has an extra filled main energy level

First ionisation energy ___ down the group

Decreases

Why does first ionisation energy decrease down the group?

Easier to remove outer electrons as they experience less attraction to positive nucleus as they are further away (atomic radius increases)

Reactivity with water ___ down the group

Increases

How do group 2 react with water?

* To form metal hydroxides and hydrogen
* Mg+ 2H2O → Mg(OH)2 + H2

Why does reactivity with water increase down the group?

First ionisation energy decreases down the group so it is easier to remove the outer electron and react. Beryllium is an exception

Solubility of group 2 metal hydroxides ___ down the group

Increases

Solubility of group 2 metal sulfates ___ down the group

Decreases