Beginner Topic 628 of 1102 Inorganic Chemistry
Alkaline Earth Metals
Group 2 metals form +2 ions and are less reactive than alkali metals.
In-depth explanation of Alkaline Earth Metals
The alkaline earth metals, beryllium, magnesium, calcium, strontium, barium and radium, form Group 2 and have two valence electrons in the ns2 configuration. They form M2+ ions, so they are harder, denser and higher melting than the alkali metals, but less reactive. Reactivity rises down the group as ionization energy falls. Beryllium is anomalous, being small with a high ionization energy, so its compounds are largely covalent. Hydroxide solubility rises down the group while sulfate solubility falls.
Going deeper: Alkaline Earth Metals
Key ideas: Group 2 ns2 elements with M2+ ions. Harder, denser and with higher melting points than group 1. Solubility of sulfates and hydroxides: sulfates fall (BaSO4 insoluble), hydroxides rise (Mg(OH)2 sparingly, Ba(OH)2 soluble). Thermal stability of carbonates increases down the group. Be is amphoteric and covalent; Mg burns in CO2 and N2.
Common mistakes and connections: Students apply the group 1 solubility trend to hydroxides or sulfates in reverse. Beryllium is not ionic; it follows Fajans rules, resembling aluminium diagonally. Mg3N2 forms when Mg burns in air along with MgO. The trend in carbonate stability comes from lattice energy and ionic polarization. Links to hardness of water and flame tests.
Visualization of Alkaline Earth Metals
Atomic masses across Z=4 to 20 include Be, Mg and Ca; Group 2 atoms have two ns electrons and form M2+ ions. The interactive lesson shows this as a live animation or chart.
Worked example and use case
Magnesium hydroxide is almost insoluble in water, while barium hydroxide dissolves readily.
Frequently asked questions about Alkaline Earth Metals
What is Alkaline Earth Metals?
Group 2 metals form +2 ions and are less reactive than alkali metals.
Is Alkaline Earth Metals a beginner, intermediate or advanced topic?
Alkaline Earth Metals is a beginner topic in Inorganic Chemistry. It needs no earlier chemistry lessons and is a good starting point.
What should I learn before Alkaline Earth Metals?
Study these earlier topics in Inorganic Chemistry first: Sodium Chemistry, Sodium Hydroxide Production, Solvay Process.
What comes after Alkaline Earth Metals?
The next topics in Inorganic Chemistry are Calcium Compounds and Plaster of Paris.
Can I practise Alkaline Earth Metals with quizzes?
Yes. The interactive lesson includes a self-check question on Alkaline Earth Metals, and the Inorganic Chemistry quiz draws on every topic in this area.
Where Alkaline Earth Metals fits in Inorganic Chemistry
Alkaline Earth Metals is topic 13 of 113 in Inorganic Chemistry.