Uploaded August 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Alkaline Earth Metals: Group 2
Dr. DeBacco
Alkaline Earth Metals: Group 2
Found in Group 2 (second column) of the s-block in the Periodic Table, immediately to the right of the alkali metals (Group 1).
Atomic Structure: Two valence electrons (form +2 ions)
Reactivity: Reactive, but less so than alkali metals
Reactivity Comparison
Reactivity: Less reactive than alkali metals but still reactive, especially with water (except Be, which is relatively unreactive due to a protective oxide layer).
Reactivity increases down the group as Zₑff decreases.
Position and Electron Configuration
Electron Configuration: Each alkaline earth metal has two valence electrons in their outermost s-orbital (ns²). For example:
Beryllium: [He] 2s²
Magnesium: [Ne] 3s²
Calcium: [Ar] 4s²
Valence Electrons: The two s-electrons are responsible for their chemical reactivity, as they are lost to form stable +2 cations, driven by the octet rule.
Unique Features and Uses of Alkaline Earth Metals
Harder and denser than alkali metals
Higher melting points than Group 1
Uses:
Calcium in bones & construction (concrete)
Magnesium in airplane parts and flares
Link to Lecture Slides: drive.google.com/file/d/1cAcj6z9sW6zggG51V7fzRAvgL0Anczjy/view?usp=drive_link
*Due to the description character limit the full work cited for "Alkaline Earth Metals Group 2" can be viewed at... docs.google.com/document/d/1XIivunqCMrIlpmy3JNjAZ0dwmSNUJXxC/edit?usp=drive_link&ouid=104237452697237972847&rtpof=true&sd=true
Alkaline Earth Metals: Group 2
Dr. DeBacco
Alkaline Earth Metals: Group 2
Found in Group 2 (second column) of the s-block in the Periodic Table, immediately to the right of the alkali metals (Group 1).
Atomic Structure: Two valence electrons (form +2 ions)
Reactivity: Reactive, but less so than alkali metals
Reactivity Comparison
Reactivity: Less reactive than alkali metals but still reactive, especially with water (except Be, which is relatively unreactive due to a protective oxide layer).
Reactivity increases down the group as Zₑff decreases.
Position and Electron Configuration
Electron Configuration: Each alkaline earth metal has two valence electrons in their outermost s-orbital (ns²). For example:
Beryllium: [He] 2s²
Magnesium: [Ne] 3s²
Calcium: [Ar] 4s²
Valence Electrons: The two s-electrons are responsible for their chemical reactivity, as they are lost to form stable +2 cations, driven by the octet rule.
Unique Features and Uses of Alkaline Earth Metals
Harder and denser than alkali metals
Higher melting points than Group 1
Uses:
Calcium in bones & construction (concrete)
Magnesium in airplane parts and flares
Link to Lecture Slides: drive.google.com/file/d/1cAcj6z9sW6zggG51V7fzRAvgL0Anczjy/view?usp=drive_link
*Due to the description character limit the full work cited for "Alkaline Earth Metals Group 2" can be viewed at... docs.google.com/document/d/1XIivunqCMrIlpmy3JNjAZ0dwmSNUJXxC/edit?usp=drive_link&ouid=104237452697237972847&rtpof=true&sd=true
