Alkaline Earth Metals

Alkaline earth metals are a group of elements located in Group 2 of the periodic table. This group includes beryllium (Be), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), strontium (Sr), barium (Ba), and radium (Ra). These elements are known for their similar chemical properties, which are distinct from other groups on the periodic table.

Properties of Alkaline Earth Metals

1. Electron Configuration: Alkaline earth metals have two valence electrons in their outermost energy level, giving them an electron configuration of ns^2. This allows them to readily lose these two electrons and form a +2 cation.

2. Reactivity: Alkaline earth metals are highly reactive but less reactive than alkali metals, which are located in Group 1. They readily react with many nonmetals, such as oxygen and halogens, to form various compounds.

3. Metallic Character: These elements are all metals and exhibit typical metallic properties, such as high electrical and thermal conductivity, malleability, and ductility.

4. Atomic Size: The atomic size of alkaline earth metals increases from top to bottom within the group. This is due to the addition of energy levels as you move down the periodic table.

5. Ionization Energy: Alkaline earth metals have relatively low ionization energies, meaning it requires less energy to remove their outermost electrons compared to other elements.

6. Reactivity with Water: Alkaline earth metals react with water to produce hydroxides and hydrogen gas. However, their reactivity with water is less vigorous compared to alkali metals.

Importance and Applications

Alkaline earth metals have various applications in different fields due to their unique properties:

1. Magnesium: Magnesium is the lightest structural metal and is widely used in the aerospace industry, automotive industry, and as an alloying agent.

2. Calcium: Calcium is essential for the formation and maintenance of bones and teeth in humans. It is also used in the production of cement and as a reducing agent in the extraction of metals.

3. Strontium: Strontium compounds are used in fireworks to produce red colors. Strontium salts are also used in the production of glass and ceramics.

4. Barium: Barium compounds are used in various industries, including the production of rubber, paints, and paper. Barium sulfate is commonly used as a contrast agent in medical imaging procedures.

5. Radium: Radium has limited applications due to its radioactivity. It was historically used in luminous paints, but its use has been greatly reduced due to safety concerns.

In conclusion, alkaline earth metals are a group of elements located in Group 2 of the periodic table. They possess similar chemical properties and exhibit characteristics such as high reactivity, metallic character, and low ionization energy. These elements find various applications in industries such as aerospace, automotive, healthcare, and manufacturing.

Group 1-Alkali metal,
group2- Alkali earth metals