Group 2 elements showcase predictable trends in their properties, with atomic radius increases Group 2 down the group affecting various chemical and physical characteristics. The elements become more reactive descending the group due to decreased ionization energies and increased atomic size.
Key points:
- Reactivity of alkaline earth metals increases down the group as electrons become easier to lose
- Melting points generally decrease down the group due to weaker metallic bonding
- Solubility of Group 2 hydroxides increases down the group while sulfate solubility decreases
- Group 2 compounds have important industrial and medical applications including X-ray imaging and titanium extraction
