group 2 trends + properties

structure of group 2 metals?

giant metallic lattice

description of bonding in group 2

electrostatic attraction between cations and delocalised electrons

trend in melting/boiling points down group

decreases

why does mp/bp decrease down the group?

size of the cation increases so delocalised electrons are further from the nucleus so less strongly attracted to it

what happens to the strength of the metallic bond down the group?

decreases

anomaly in mp/bp trend?

magnesium has the lowest melting point

trend in metallic/atomic radius down the group

increases

why does metallic radius increase down the group?

elements gain shells so shielding increases and less attraction between cation and delocalised electrons

trend in first ionisation energy down the group?

decreases

why does first ionisation energy decrease down the group?

atomic radius and shielding increase so outer electrons are less strongly attracted to the nucleus and are easier to remove

size of the atoms down the group?

increase

trend in solubility of the sulfates down the group?

solubility decreases