Order of stability of Group 2 elements sulphate
Sulphates are compounds that contain sulphate ions (SO42-) and a metal ion. In Group 2 elements, the stability of sulphates increases down the group. This means that the sulphates of elements at the bottom of the group are more stable than those at the top of the group. The order of stability of Group 2 sulphates is as follows:
- Beryllium sulphate (BeSO4)
- Magnesium sulphate (MgSO4)
- Calcium sulphate (CaSO4)
- Strontium sulphate (SrSO4)
- Barium sulphate (BaSO4)
Reasons for the order of stability of Group 2 sulphates
There are several reasons why the stability of Group 2 sulphates increases down the group:
- Ion size
- Charge density
- Polarizability
- Lattice energy
Ion size
The size of the metal ion in a sulphate affects the stability of the compound. As we move down the group, the size of the metal ion increases. This means that the distance between the metal ion and the sulphate ion increases, making it more difficult for the two ions to attract each other. This reduces the strength of the ionic bond between the two ions and makes the compound less stable.
Charge density
Charge density is the amount of charge per unit volume. As we move down the group, the charge density of the metal ion decreases. This is because the size of the ion increases faster than its charge. This means that the attraction between the metal ion and the sulphate ion decreases, making the compound less stable.
Polarizability
Polarizability is the ability of an ion to distort the electron cloud of another ion. As we move down the group, the polarizability of the metal ion increases. This means that the metal ion is able to distort the electron cloud of the sulphate ion more easily, making it easier for the two ions to attract each other. This increases the strength of the ionic bond between the two ions and makes the compound more stable.
Lattice energy
Lattice energy is the energy required to break apart the crystal lattice of an ionic compound. As we move down the group, the lattice energy of the sulphate decreases. This is because the size of the metal ion increases, and the distance between the ions in the crystal lattice increases. This makes it easier to break apart the crystal lattice and makes the compound less stable.