Reactivity and Properties of Alkaline Earth Metals

This lesson covers alkaline earth metals in group 2 of the periodic table, focusing on magnesium and calcium. It discusses their properties, reactivity trends, and reactions with oxygen and water. Magnesium reacts with oxygen to form magnesium oxide and with steam to produce hydrogen gas. Calcium reacts with oxygen to form calcium oxide and with cold water to produce calcium hydroxide and hydrogen gas. The lesson highlights the increasing reactivity and decreasing melting points of these metals down the group.

Which group do alkaline earth metals belong to in the periodic table?

• Group 3

• Group 2

• Group 4

• Group 1

What is a common property of alkaline earth metals?

• They have one valence electron

• They are non-metals

• They have two valence electrons

• They are gases at room temperature

What is the product formed when magnesium reacts with oxygen?

• Magnesium chloride

• Magnesium oxide

• Magnesium sulfate

• Magnesium carbonate

Why might a magnesium strip appear dull?

• It is coated with oil

• It is a poor conductor

• It is a non-metal

• It has an oxide layer

How does calcium compare to magnesium in terms of hardness?

• Calcium is a liquid

• Calcium is softer

• Calcium is harder

• Both are equally hard

What color flame does calcium produce when it burns?

• Yellow

• Red

• Green

• Blue

What is formed when calcium oxide reacts with water?

• Calcium hydroxide

• Calcium sulfate

• Calcium carbonate

• Calcium nitrate

What gas is produced when calcium reacts with water?

• Carbon dioxide

• Hydrogen

• Nitrogen

• Oxygen

Which metal reacts with steam to produce hydrogen gas?

• Beryllium

• Magnesium

• Calcium

• Strontium

What trend is observed in the reactivity of alkaline earth metals as you move down the group?

• Reactivity remains constant

• Reactivity decreases

• Reactivity fluctuates

• Reactivity increases