(b) Without looking at a periodic table, list as many alkaline earth metals as you can. (There are five common ones.)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that alkaline earth metals are located in Group 2 of the periodic table.
2. Remember that these metals are characterized by having two electrons in their outermost shell, which they tend to lose to form divalent cations.
3. Identify the first member of the group, which is directly below hydrogen in the periodic table.
4. Continue listing the elements down the group, noting that each successive element has an atomic number that is higher by 4 compared to the previous one in the group.
5. List the common alkaline earth metals up to the fifth member of the group.

Key Concepts

Alkaline Earth Metals

Alkaline earth metals are a group of elements found in Group 2 of the periodic table. They are characterized by having two electrons in their outermost shell, which makes them highly reactive, though less so than alkali metals. The five common alkaline earth metals include beryllium, magnesium, calcium, strontium, and barium. These metals typically form +2 cations and are known for their metallic properties.

Periodic Table Groups

The periodic table is organized into columns called groups, which contain elements with similar chemical properties. Group 2, known as the alkaline earth metals, includes elements that share common characteristics such as reactivity and the formation of basic oxides. Understanding the organization of the periodic table helps in predicting the behavior of elements and their compounds based on their group affiliations.

Reactivity of Metals

The reactivity of metals refers to how readily they undergo chemical reactions, often by losing electrons to form positive ions. Alkaline earth metals are more reactive than transition metals but less reactive than alkali metals. Their reactivity increases down the group, meaning that heavier alkaline earth metals like barium are more reactive than lighter ones like beryllium. This property is crucial for understanding their applications and behavior in chemical reactions.