The Physical and Chemical Properties of Group 2

Question 1

What are the changes in the atomic radius of the Group 2 elements from Magnesium to Barium?

Answer 1

The atomic radii increase because each element has filled an extra main level of electrons compared with the one above it.

Question 2

What are the changes in the first ionisation energies of the Group 2 elements from Magnesium to Barium?

Answer 2

-Going down group 2, the first ionisation energy decreases
-This occurs due to the outer electron being removed further away from the nucleus due to increased electron shielding and atomic radius

Question 3

What are the changes in the melting point of the Group 2 elements from Magnesium to Barium?

Answer 3

-Melting points down group 2 decrease
-This occurs due to the decrease in electrostatic attraction between the delocalised electrons and the positive nuclei, due to the cations becoming larger going down the group

Question 4

What is the trend in reactivity in Group 2?

Answer 4

-Reactivity increases down Group 2
-This is due to the outer electron being further away from the positive nucleus, meaning it is more easily lost

Question 5

What are the trends in the solubilities of:
1. Hydroxides
2. Sulfates

Answer 5

1. Going down Group 2, hydroxides become more soluble
2. Going down Group 2, sulfates become less soluble