Group 2/Alkali Earth Metals

Question 1

What are the observations and products when strontium, calcium and magnesium are added to water?

Answer 1

• Form a metal hydroxide and hydrogen
• Colourless
• Magnesium: no reaction
• Calcium: moderate reactions, forms a hydroxide, bubbling, white precipitate formed
• Strontium: reacts rapidly, forms a hydroxide

Question 2

What is the trend in reactivity of the alkaline earth metals?

Answer 2

Reactivity increases down the group

Question 3

What is the relative reactivity of the alkali earth metals compared to the alkali metals?

Answer 3

Alkali earth metals are less reactive than alkali metals