4: Inorganic Chemistry and the Periodic Table Flashcards
(84 cards)
What is the trend of reactivity in Group 2
Reactivity increases down Group 2 elements
Why does reactivity increase down Group 2
- First and second ionisation energies decrease down Group 2
- Therefore it is easier for the elements to lose their two valance electrons down the group
- This is due to the attraction of the nucleus and valance electrons decreasing down the group due to increasing atomic radii and the increasing shielding
How do Group 2 elements behave in redox reactions
- Each metal atom is oxidised, losing its two valance electrons, forming a +2 ion
- Another species gains these electrons and is reduced
- Therefore Group 2 elements are reducing agents
How can the reactivity of Group 2 elements be tested
- Reacting with dilute HCl: bubbles of hydrogen gas are given off much faster down the group (more vigorous)
- Reacting with oxygen: more reactive with oxygen down the group
What is the general equation for the reaction between Group 2 metals and oxygen
What is the general equation for the reaction between Group 2 metals and water
Why is magnesium oxide sometimes formed when magnesium reacts with water
- Magnesium reacts extremely slowly with cold water, and the solution formed is only slightly soluble
- When magnesium is heated in steam, it reacts vigorously to make magnesium oxide
What is the general equation for the reaction of Group 2 metals and chlorine gas
Are Group 2 oxides acidic or basic
- All are basic
- Apart from BeO which is amphoteric
Define amphoteric
A substance that can act as both an acid (proton donor) and a base (proton acceptor)
What happens when Group 2 oxides react with water
- They form alkaline solutions which become more alkaline down the group
Oxide + water ➡️ hydroxide
What is the general equation of the reaction between a Group 2 oxide and dilute hydrochloric/sulphuric acid
Metal oxide + dilute acid ➡️ metal salt (chloride/sulphate) + water
What happens when Group 2 metal hydroxides react with dilute acids
- Form colourless solutions of metal salts
- Except barium sulphate which is insoluble, making a white precipitate
Metal hydroxide + dilute hydrochloric/sulphuric acid ➡️ metal salt (chloride/sulphate) + water
What is the ionic reaction that takes place when Group 2 oxides react with water
What is the trend in alkalinity in Group 2 solutions
Increases down the group
Why does alkalinity of Group 2 hydroxides increase down the group
- Solubility of Group 2 hydroxides increases down the group,
- So the concentration of OH- ions in the solution increases, increasing the pH of the solution
- Making it more alkaline
What is the general equation for Group 2 hydroxides dissolving in water
What is the trend of solubility in Group 2 sulphates
Solubility decreases down the group
What is the trend of solubility of Group 1 hydroxides and sulphates
They are all soluble in water
Are Group 1 or 2 hydroxides more soluble
Group 1 hydroxides are more soluble
What is thermal decomposition
The breakdown of a compound into two or more different substances using heat
What is the only Group 1 carbonate that decomposes
- Only lithium carbonate can be thermally decomposed at Bunsen temperatures
What is the general equation for the thermal decomposition of Group 2 carbonates
What is the only Group 1 nitrate that thermally decomposes
- Lithium nitrate