ELECTRONIC CONFIGURATION OF GROUP 2 ELEMENTS •Calcium – Brick red

Group 2 elements (alkaline earth metals) have two valence •Strontium – Bright red
electrons in their outermost shell. •Barium – Pale green
•Radium – Red (rarely tested)
1.​ Beryllium (Be) – Atomic number 4
Configuration: 1s² 2s² or 2, 2 SOURCES OF GROUP 2 ELEMENTS
2.​ Magnesium (Mg) – Atomic number 12 1.​ Beryllium (Be)
Configuration: 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² or 2, 8, 2 Found in minerals, mainly: Beryl (Be₃Al₂Si₆O₁₈)
3.​ Calcium (Ca) – Atomic number 20 2.​ Magnesium (Mg)
Configuration: 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 4s² or 2, 8, 8, 2 Magnesite (MgCO₃), Dolomite (CaMg(CO₃)₂)
4.​ Strontium (Sr) – Atomic number 38 3.​ Calcium (Ca)
Configuration: 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 4s² 3d¹⁰ 4p⁶ 5s² or 2, 8, 18, 8, 2 Limestone (CaCO₃), Marble, Chalk
5.​ Barium (Ba) – Atomic number 56 4.​ Strontium (Sr)
Configuration: 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 4s² 3d¹⁰ 4p⁶ 5s² 4d¹⁰ 5p⁶ 6s² or 2, Celestite (SrSO₄) – the primary ore of strontium, Strontianite
8, 18, 18, 8, 2 (SrCO₃)
6.​ Radium (Ra) – Atomic number 88 5.​ Barium (Ba)
Configuration: 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 4s² 3d¹⁰ 4p⁶ 5s² 4d¹⁰ 5p⁶ 6s² 4f¹⁴ Barite (BaSO₄)
5d¹⁰ 6p⁶ 7s² or 2, 8, 18, 32, 18, 8, 2 6.​ Radium (Ra) – Sources
Extremely rare. Main source:.Pitchblende (Uraninite, UO₂)
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF GROUP 2 ELEMENTS
1.​ Appearance EXTRACTION OF GROUP 2 ELEMENTS
✓Shiny (lustrous) metals in pure form. ✓They are not easy to produce because they are strong reducing
agents.
2.​ Density They can only be produced by electrolysis of their fused
✓Higher density than Group 1 metals, but still relatively light. chlorides(MgCl2, CaCl2, SrCl2, BaCl2) with sodium chloride added
✓Density increases down the group (except for calcium, which is to lower the melting points
less dense than magnesium).
✓Trend: Be < Mg < Ca < Sr < Ba < Ra (Calcium is an exception). ✓Magnesium can be produced through the Pidgeon process
Why? whereby:
As atomic size increases, atoms pack less efficiently, increasing Calcium dolomite is reduced with ferrosilicon at 1150°C under
atomic volume. reduced pressure
Calcium has an unusual crystal structure that makes it less dense
than magnesium. TRENDS IN PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF GROUP 2
ELEMENTS
3.​ Atomic Radii 1.​ Atomic Radius
✓Atomic radius increases down the group due to more electron Atomic radius increases down the group as more electron shells are
shells being added. added.

4.​ Melting and Boiling Points 2.​ Ionization Energy

✓Higher than Group 1 metals but decrease down the group Ionization energy decreases down the group because the
(except for Mg). outermost electrons are farther from the nucleus and experience
✓Trend: Be > Mg > Ca > Sr > Ba > Ra less electrostatic attraction.
✓Beryllium has the highest melting point due to its strong metallic
bonding and small atomic size. 3.​ Electronegativity
Why does melting/boiling point decrease? Electronegativity decreases down the group because atomic size
Metallic bonding weakens as atomic size increases. increases, making it harder for the nucleus to attract bonding
Larger atoms have weaker attraction between the nucleus and electrons.
delocalized electrons, making it easier to break bonds.
4.​ Density
5.​ Hardness Density generally increases down the group, except for calcium,
✓Harder than Group 1 metals, but still relatively soft. which is less dense than magnesium due to its unusual crystal
✓Beryllium is the hardest, while barium is the softest. structure.
Why?
Stronger metallic bonds due to higher charge density compared to 5.​ Melting and Boiling Points
Group 1 metals. Melting and boiling points generally decrease down the group, but
magnesium is an exception with a lower melting point than calcium.
6.​ Electrical and Thermal Conductivity
✓Good conductors of electricity and heat. 6.​ Hydration Energy
✓Free-moving delocalized electrons allow easy current flow. ✓Hydration energy is the amount of energy released when one
✓Conductivity increases down the group as electrons are more mole of gaseous ions dissolves in water. A higher hydration energy
loosely held. means the ion is more strongly attracted to water molecules,
making it more soluble.
7.​ Cohesive Energy ✓Hydration energy decreases down the group. ✓Hydration energy
✓Cohesive energy is the energy required to separate atoms in a of Group 2 elements are greater than group 1 elements. This is due
solid metal. to their small size and high charge (high charge density)
✓Cohesive energy decreases down the group, as atomic size
increases and bonding weakens. 7.​ Solubility
✓The solubility of Group 2 hydroxides increases down the group,
8.​ Flame Colors while the solubility of their sulfates decreases.
✓Magnesium does not give a flame color Magnesium hydroxide is sparingly soluble, but barium hydroxide
✓Other Group 2 elements produce distinct flame colors: dissolves easily.
Barium sulfate is insoluble ✓Beryllium oxide (BeO) is amphoteric (can act as both an acid and
a base), while other oxides are purely basic.
8.​ Lattice Energy ✓The oxides become more reactive down the group, and form
✓Lattice energy is the energy released when one mole of an ionic peroxides (MO₂) at lower temperatures as reactivity increases.
solid.
✓It depends on the charge and size of the ions—higher charges Peroxides
and smaller ionic radii result in stronger attractions and higher ✓Group 2 metals form peroxides as you move down the group.
lattice energy. ✓Barium peroxide (BaO₂) forms easily and is the most stable.
✓Lattice energy decreases down the group ✓Strontium peroxide (SrO₂) is also formed but requires high
temperature and pressure.
CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF GROUP 2 ELEMENTS ✓Calcium peroxide (CaO₂) and Magnesium peroxide (MgO₂) are
obtained from their hydrates by treatment with hydrogen peroxide
1.​ REACTION WITH WATER (H₂O₂).
✓Group 2 elements react violently with water to form hydroxides ✓Beryllium peroxide (BeO₂) is not known.
and hydrogen gas, but their reactivity increases down the group due
to decreasing ionization energy. ✓When peroxides react with acids, hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) is
liberated.

✓Beryllium does not react with water due to its strong oxide layer. 5.​ REACTIONS WITH HALOGENS
✓Magnesium reacts slowly with cold water but reacts faster with All Group 2 metals form halides with the general formula MX₂.
steam. They can be prepared by:
✓Calcium, strontium, and barium react readily with water, •Direct reaction of the metal with a halogen.
producing hydroxides and hydrogen gas.

Group 2 Hydroxides •Action of halogen acid (HX) on the metal or its carbonate.
✓Group 2 metals form hydroxides that are generally basic, except
for beryllium hydroxide (Be(OH)₂), which is amphoteric.
✓Basicity increases down the group as the ionic size increases Properties of Group 2 Halides
and lattice energy decreases. a)​ Beryllium Halides (BeX₂)
•BeCl₂ is covalent, hygroscopic, and sublimes without melting.
✓Hydroxide solubility increases down the group due to decreasing •BeCl₂ does not conduct electricity in the solid state.
lattice energy. •Anhydrous BeCl₂ cannot be obtained from aqueous solutions
•Magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)₂) – least soluble because it forms the hydrated complex ion [Be(H₂O)₄]²⁺.
•Calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂) – slightly soluble •BeF₂ is highly soluble in water due to strong hydration energy,
•Strontium hydroxide (Sr(OH)₂) – more soluble than Ca(OH)₂. forming [Be(H₂O)₄]²⁺ in solution.
•Barium hydroxide (Ba(OH)₂) – most soluble
b)​ Magnesium, Calcium, Strontium, and Barium Halides (MgX₂,
✓Ca(OH)₂- lime water and Ba(OH)₂- baryta are made by reacting CaX₂, SrX₂, BaX₂)
their oxides with water: ✓Fluorides (MF₂) are insoluble in water because their lattice energy
CaO + H₂O → Ca(OH)₂ is higher than their hydration energy.
BaO + H₂O → Ba(OH)₂ ✓Solubility of fluorides increases down the group as lattice energy
decreases more rapidly than hydration energy.
✓Magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)₂) is prepared by mixing an ✓Chlorides, Bromides, and Iodides of Mg, Ca, Sr, and Ba are ionic,
aqueous sodium hydroxide solution with an aqueous salt of have much lower melting points, and are soluble in water.
magnesium: ✓Solubility of chlorides, bromides, and iodides decreases down the
Mg²⁺ (aq) + 2OH⁻ (aq) → Mg(OH)₂ (s) group due to decreasing hydration energy.

2.​ REACTION WITH ACIDS 6.​ REACTIONS WITH HYDROGEN

Group 2 metals react with acids to liberate hydrogen gas: All Group 2 metals react with hydrogen to form hydrides with the
Mg + 2HCl → MgCl₂ + H₂ general formula MH₂.
✓Beryllium hydride (BeH₂) is difficult to prepare and less stable
✓Beryllium (Be) is amphoteric and reacts slowly with acids. than other Group 2 hydrides.
Beryllium does not react with nitric acid (HNO₃).
✓Lime water (Ca(OH)₂) and baryta water (Ba(OH)₂) are used to ✓All Group 2 hydrides act as strong reducing agents.
test for carbon dioxide (CO₂), forming insoluble carbonates: ✓They hydrolyze in water and dilute acids, releasing hydrogen gas.
Ca(OH)₂ + CO₂ → CaCO₃ (s) + H₂O
Ba(OH)₂ + CO₂ → BaCO₃ (s) + H₂O Nature of Hydrides
✓Calcium hydride (CaH₂), Strontium hydride (SrH₂), and Barium
✓Acidity increases up the group, with beryllium hydroxide showing hydride (BaH₂) are ionic and contain the hydride ion (H⁻).
amphoteric behavior. ✓Beryllium hydride (BeH₂) and Magnesium hydride (MgH₂) are
covalent and polymeric in structure.
3.​ REACTION WITH ALKALIS ✓BeH₂ exists in both amorphous and crystalline forms.
Only Beryllium reacts with alkalis, forming a complex ion:
Be(s) + 2NaOH (aq) + 2H₂O → Na₂[Be(OH)₄] (aq) + H₂ (g) 7.​ REACTIONS WITH DINITROGEN (N₂)
All group 2 elements burn in dinitrogen and form ionic nitrides
✓Basic character increases down the group. (M3N2)
✓Be3N2 is volatile while the other nitrides are not volatile
4.​ REACTIONS WITH OXYGEN ✓All the nitrides are crystalline solids which decompose on heating
Group 2 elements react with oxygen to form oxides ✓All the nitrides react with water liberating ammonia and forming
the metal hydroxide
 8.​ REACTIONS WITH CARBON ✓Other Group 2 nitrates decompose at higher temperatures,
✓Group 2 metals form ionic carbides MC2 generally around 120°C.
✓Carbides are formed by reacting carbon in a furnace or when
their oxides are heated with carbon Differences Between Beryllium and Other Group 2 Elements
Beryllium (Be) is unique among the Group 2 elements due to its
small atomic size, high charge density, and strong covalent
✓BeC₂ is made by heating Be with ethyne bonding. It behaves very differently from magnesium, calcium,
strontium, barium, and radium.
✓BeC₂ is ionic and reacts with water to form methane
1.​ Smallest atomic and ionic radius
OXOSALTS OF GROUP 2 ELEMENTS Be has the smallest atomic and ionic radius in Group 2, leading to
Group 2 elements form various oxosalts (salts containing oxygen high charge density and strong electrostatic interactions.
and another element). These include carbonates, sulfates, nitrates,
phosphates, and oxalates. 2.​ High ionization energy
Be has a much higher ionization energy (899 kJ/mol) than other
1.​ CARBONATES (MCO₃) Group 2 metals, making it less reactive.
Formation
Group 2 metals react with carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water or 3.​ Forms covalent compounds
soluble carbonates to form metal carbonates. Unlike other Group 2 elements, Be does not form simple ionic
compounds. Instead, it forms covalent bonds due to its high charge
density and polarizing power.
Trends & Properties
✓All carbonates are ionic 4.​ Does not react with water
✓BeCO3 contains hydrated ion [Be(H2O)4]2+ Unlike Mg, Ca, Sr, and Ba, beryllium does not react with water,
✓Solubility decreases down the group (BeCO₃ is most soluble, even at high temperatures.
BaCO₃ is least).
✓Thermal stability increases down the group (BaCO₃ is most 5.​ Forms amphoteric oxide (BeO)
stable). While MgO, CaO, SrO, and BaO are basic, BeO is amphoteric
✓On heating, carbonates decompose to form oxides and CO₂: (reacts with both acids and bases).
BeO + 2HCl → BeCl_2 + H_2O
BeO + 2NaOH + H_2O → Na_2[Be(OH)_4] ]
2.​ SULFATES (MSO₄)
Formation 6.​ Forms covalent halides (BeCl₂ is molecular)
M(OH)_2 + H_2SO_4 → MSO_4 + 2H_2O BeCl₂ is covalent and dissolves in organic solvents, whereas other
Ca(OH)_2 + H_2SO_4 → CaSO_4 + 2H_2O Group 2 halides (MgCl₂, CaCl₂, etc.) are ionic and dissolve in water.

Trends & Properties 7.​ Does not form stable carbonates

✓Solubility decreases down the group (BeSO₄ is most soluble, BeCO₃ is unstable and decomposes easily, while MgCO₃, CaCO₃,
BaSO₄ is least). SrCO₃, and BaCO₃ are stable and decompose only when heated..
✓BaSO₄ is highly insoluble
✓All Group 2 sulfates are thermally stable and do not decompose 8.​ Beryllium forms complex compounds
easily. Be²⁺ forms complex ions like [Be(OH)₄]²⁻ and [BeF₄]²⁻, while other
✓Heating of group 2 sulphates liberates oxide and sulphur (vi) Group 2 metals do not form such complexes.
oxide
9.​ Beryllium carbide (Be₂C) forms methane with water
Uses of Group 2 Sulphates Be_2C + 4H_2O → 2Be(OH)_2 + CH_4↑
a)​ Magnesium Sulfate (MgSO₄·7H₂O) - Epsom Salt
Used as a mild laxative. 10.​Beryllium shows diagonal relationship with Aluminum in
b)​ Calcium Sulfate (CaSO₄·1/2H₂O) - Plaster of Paris (POP) group 3
Used in making Plaster of Paris (POP).
c)​ Barium Sulfate (BaSO₄) 11.​BeH2 is polymeric while other hydrides are not
Used in diagnosing stomach ulcers.
BaSO₄ is insoluble in water and opaque to X-rays, providing a 12.​Be atom can hold a maximum of 8 electrons and form a
shadow of the stomach in X-ray imaging. maximum of 4 bonds with coordination number of 4

3.​ NITRATES (M(NO₃)₂) USES OF GROUP 2 ELEMENTS

Formation
M(OH)_2 + 2HNO_3 → M(NO_3)_2 + 2H_2O BERYLLIUM (BE)
Ca(OH)_2 + 2HNO_3 → Ca(NO_3)_2 + 2H_2O 1.​ Alloying Agent:
Used as an alloying agent in producing beryllium copper.
Trends & Properties
✓All Group 2 metals form nitrates. 2.​ Applications in Tools:
✓The thermal stability of nitrates increases down the group due to Used in making springs, electrical contacts, spot welding
decreasing charge density. electrodes, and non-sparking tools.
✓Group 2 nitrates decompose when heated to form:
Metal oxide, Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), and Oxygen (O₂) 3.​ Structural Materials:
Used as structural material for high-speed aircraft, missiles, and
✓Beryllium forms a basic nitrate but it is covalent in nature. communication satellites.
The structure of Beryllium nitrate is represented as Be₄O(NO₃)₆.
4.​ Ceramics and Nuclear Reactors:
✓Beryllium nitrate decomposes at around 50°C.
Beryllium oxide (BeO) has ceramic properties and is used in Caused by the presence of magnesium bicarbonate (Mg(HCO₃)₂)
nuclear reactors. and calcium bicarbonate (Ca(HCO₃)₂).
Can be removed by boiling, which releases CO₂ and precipitates
5.​ X-ray Tubes: the hardness-causing salts.
Used in making windows of X-ray tubes due to its low electron The precipitate, CaCO₃, can be removed by filtration.
density and smaller absorbing power. Can also be treated by adding slaked lime to precipitate calcium
carbonate (lime softening).
MAGNESIUM (MG)
1.​ Aircraft and Automotive: Permanent Hardness:
Used to make aircraft bodies, aircraft parts, and motor car engines Caused by magnesium sulfate (MgSO₄) and calcium sulfate
because of its lightness and strength. (CaSO₄).
Cannot be removed by boiling.
2.​ Alloys:
Used in making magnesium alloys (e.g., Al-Mg alloys, magnalium). OTHER USES OF GROUP 2 COMPOUNDS
1.​ Limestone (CaCO₃):
3.​ Grignard Reagents: Used to make quicklime (CaO) and cement.
Important in the production of Grignard reagents. Occurs in two crystalline forms: calcite and aragonite.
Calcite is more stable than aragonite.
4.​ Medicinal Uses: Used for:
Magnesium compounds are used medicinally as laxatives and •Softening of water.
antacids. •Making glass.
•Bleach production.
5.​ Medical Applications: •Steel industry.
Used to stabilize abnormal nerve excitation or blood vessel spasm. •Making calcium carbide (CaC₂).

Calcium (Ca) Other Calcium Compounds:

1.​ Alloys for Bearings: ✓Gypsum (CaSO₄): Used in construction, particularly in making
Used to make alloys with aluminum (Al) for bearings. plaster and drywall.
✓Fluorite (CaF₂): Used in the production of fluoride compounds
2.​ Iron and Steel Industry: and as a flux in steel production.
Used in the iron and steel industry to control carbon in cast iron. ✓Magnesite (MgCO₃): Used in producing magnesium metal and
refractories.
3.​ Reducing Agent: ✓Barytes (BaSO₄): Used in drilling fluids and as a contrast medium
Used as a reducing agent in chemical reactions. in X-ray diagnostics.

4.​ Removal of Nitrogen Traces: Biological Importance and Uses

Used for removing traces of nitrogen (N₂) from argon. 1.​ Magnesium (Mg²⁺):
Essential for chlorophyll in plants.
5.​ Calcium Hydride (CaH₂): Magnesium is important in the human body, especially for enzyme
Used as a source of hydrogen (H₂). function.
Used in the construction of aircraft bodies due to its light weight and
6.​ Dietary Supplement: strength.
Calcium is an important dietary supplement essential for all living Used in Grignard reagents for organic synthesis.
organisms.
2.​ Calcium (Ca²⁺):
7.​ Plaster (CaSO₄): Essential for bones and teeth in the human body.
Calcium sulfate (CaSO₄) is used as plaster by builders and as Plays a key role in blood clotting and muscle contraction.
plaster of Paris (P.O.P) for setting bones.
3.​ Beryllium (Be):
BIOLOGICAL ROLES OF MG²⁺ AND CA²⁺ Used to make windows of X-ray tubes due to its low electron
density and small absorbing power.
MAGNESIUM (MG²⁺):
1.​ Found in body fluids. 4.​ Radium (Ra)
2.​ Forms complexes with ATP and acts as an enzyme cofactor. Used in the treatment of cancer due to its radioactive properties.
3.​ Essential for chlorophyll in plants.

CALCIUM (CA²⁺):
1.​ Found in body fluids.
2.​ Important in bones and teeth for strength and structure.
3.​ Plays a critical role in blood clotting.
4.​ Required to trigger muscle contraction.
5.​ Essential for maintaining the beating of the heart.

HARDNESS OF WATER

✓Hard Water:Contains dissolved salts such as Mg and Ca

carbonates, bicarbonates, and sulfates.
It makes soap lathering difficult due to the formation of insoluble
scum.
It leads to the formation of scales in pipes and boilers.

Temporary Hardness:
 1.​ Which of the following is the correct electron configuration
for Magnesium (Mg)? 10.​Which of the following is the correct electron configuration
A. 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² for radium (Ra)?
B. 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ A. 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 4s² 3d¹⁰ 4p⁶ 5s² 4d¹⁰ 5p⁶ 6s² 4f¹⁴ 5d¹⁰ 6p⁶ 7s²
C. 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 4s² B. 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 4s² 3d¹⁰ 4p⁶ 5s² 4d¹⁰ 5p⁶ 6s² 4f¹⁴ 5d¹⁰ 6p⁶ 7s²
D. 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 4s² 3d¹⁰ 4f¹⁴
C. 2, 8, 18, 32, 18, 8, 2
2.​ Which Group 2 element has the highest melting point? D. 2, 8, 18, 32, 18, 8, 2, 8, 2
A. Beryllium (Be)
B. Magnesium (Mg) 11.​Why are Group 2 elements difficult to produce?
C. Calcium (Ca) A. They are not reactive with other elements.
D. Barium (Ba) B. They are weak reducing agents.
C. They are strong reducing agents.
3.​ Why is calcium (Ca) less dense than magnesium (Mg), D. They have high ionization energies.
despite being lower in the group?
A. Calcium has fewer electrons than magnesium. 12.​Which process is used to produce magnesium (Mg) from
B. Calcium has a larger atomic size and a less efficient packing calcium dolomite?
structure. A. The Solvay process
C. Calcium forms weaker metallic bonds. B. The Pidgeon process
D. Calcium has a higher atomic radius and more efficient atomic C. The Hall-Héroult process
packing. D. The Bessemer process

4.​ Which of the following statements best explains the trend of 13.​Why is the ionization energy of Group 2 elements lower as
atomic radius in Group 2 elements? you move down the group?
A. Atomic radius decreases down the group as more electron shells A. Electrons are added to the inner shells, which experience greater
are added. electrostatic attraction.
B. Atomic radius increases down the group because more electron B. Electrons are farther from the nucleus and experience less
shells are added. electrostatic attraction.
C. Atomic radius remains constant across the group due to similar C. The atomic size decreases, making it harder to remove
charge density. electrons.
D. Atomic radius increases down the group due to the increase in D. The electronegativity increases, requiring more energy to
metallic bonding strength. remove electrons.

5.​ What is the flame color produced by calcium (Ca)? 14.​What is the general trend of electronegativity as you move
A. Bright red down Group 2 elements?
B. Pale green A. Electronegativity increases due to a smaller atomic radius.
C. Brick red B. Electronegativity decreases because atomic size increases.
D. Red C. Electronegativity remains constant across the group.
D. Electronegativity increases due to stronger ionic bonds.
6.​ Which of the following Group 2 elements is the hardest?
A. Magnesium (Mg) 15.​Which of the following is the exception to the general trend
B. Beryllium (Be) of melting and boiling points in Group 2 elements?
C. Calcium (Ca) A. Beryllium (Be)
D. Barium (Ba) B. Magnesium (Mg)
C. Calcium (Ca)
7.​ What is the source of radium (Ra)? D. Strontium (Sr)
A. Barite (BaSO₄)
B. Beryl (Be₃Al₂Si₆O₁₈) 16.​How does lattice energy change as you move down Group
C. Pitchblende (Uraninite, UO₂) 2?
D. Dolomite (CaMg(CO₃)₂) A. Lattice energy increases due to stronger ionic bonds.
B. Lattice energy decreases as ionic radii increase and charge
8.​ Which of the following statements about the thermal density decreases.
conductivity of Group 2 metals is correct? C. Lattice energy remains constant across the group.
A. Thermal conductivity decreases down the group because atoms D. Lattice energy increases as ionic radius increases.
become smaller.
B. Thermal conductivity increases down the group due to weaker 17.​Which of the following correctly describes hydration energy
metallic bonding. in Group 2 elements?
C. Thermal conductivity increases down the group as electrons A. Hydration energy increases as ionic radius increases.
become more loosely held. B. Hydration energy decreases down the group due to smaller ionic
D. Thermal conductivity remains constant down the group due to sizes.
similar atomic structures. C. Hydration energy increases down the group due to larger ionic
radii.
9.​ Why do Group 2 elements generally have higher density D. Hydration energy is greater in Group 2 elements than in Group 1
than Group 1 elements? elements due to higher charge and smaller size.
A. Group 2 elements have fewer electron shells, leading to stronger
metallic bonding. 18.​Which of the following statements about solubility is correct
B. Group 2 elements have more delocalized electrons, increasing for Group 2 hydroxides?
atomic packing efficiency. A. Solubility of Group 2 hydroxides decreases down the group.
C. Group 2 elements have larger atomic radii, which increase their B. Solubility of Group 2 hydroxides increases down the group.
density. C. Solubility of Group 2 hydroxides remains constant across the
D. Group 2 elements have stronger metallic bonds, which increases group.
their density. D. Solubility of Group 2 hydroxides is independent of atomic size.
 19.​Why is magnesium hydroxide considered sparingly soluble 28.​Which of the following is true about the preparation of lime
while barium hydroxide is highly soluble? water (Ca(OH)₂) and baryta water (Ba(OH)₂)?
A. Magnesium has a larger ionic radius than barium. A. They are formed by reacting their respective metals with water.
B. Magnesium has a smaller ionic radius and stronger lattice B. They are formed by reacting their oxides with water.
energy. C. They are formed by reacting calcium and barium hydroxides with
C. Barium has a higher charge density than magnesium. hydrogen gas.
D. Barium forms weaker ionic bonds, allowing more dissolution. D. They are prepared by mixing aqueous sodium hydroxide with
calcium and barium salts.
20.​What is the key reason that Group 2 elements require
electrolysis for extraction? 29.​Which Group 2 hydroxide is the most soluble in water?
A. They have high ionization energies that make electrolysis A. Magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)₂)
necessary. B. Calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂)
B. They are difficult to reduce because they are weak reducing C. Strontium hydroxide (Sr(OH)₂)
agents. D. Barium hydroxide (Ba(OH)₂)
C. They can only be reduced with the aid of a reducing agent like
sodium chloride. 30.​What is the general trend in the solubility of Group 2
D. Their high melting points prevent simple extraction methods. hydroxides?
A. Solubility increases as you move up the group.
21.​Why does beryllium (Be) not react with water? B. Solubility decreases as ionic size increases.
A. Beryllium does not form hydroxides in the presence of water. C. Solubility remains constant across the group.
B. Beryllium reacts with water only at high temperatures. D. Solubility increases as you move down the group.
C. Beryllium forms a strong oxide layer that prevents its reaction
with water. 31.​Why does beryllium (Be) react slowly with acids?
D. Beryllium has a very high ionization energy, preventing it from A. It is less reactive due to its strong oxide layer.
reacting with water. B. It is amphoteric and requires specific conditions to react with
acids.
22.​Which of the following is true about the reactivity of Group 2 C. It does not react with acids at all.
elements with water? D. It reacts violently with acids, but at a much slower rate than other
A. Reactivity decreases down the group due to increasing ionization Group 2 elements.
energy.
B. Magnesium is the most reactive, followed by calcium. 32.​Which of the following is true about the reaction of Group 2
C. Reactivity increases down the group due to decreasing ionization metals with acids?
energy. A. All Group 2 metals react similarly with acids, releasing hydrogen
D. Beryllium reacts violently with water. gas.
B. Only magnesium reacts with acids to liberate hydrogen gas.
23.​Which Group 2 hydroxide is amphoteric? C. Magnesium and calcium release hydrogen gas, but beryllium
A. Magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)₂) does not.
B. Calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂) D. Group 2 metals do not react with acids to produce hydrogen gas.
C. Beryllium hydroxide (Be(OH)₂)
D. Strontium hydroxide (Sr(OH)₂) 33.​Which Group 2 hydroxide exhibits amphoteric behavior?
A. Magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)₂)
24.​What trend is observed in the basicity of Group 2 hydroxides B. Calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂)
as you move down the group? C. Beryllium hydroxide (Be(OH)₂)
A. Basicity decreases due to increasing ionic size. D. Strontium hydroxide (Sr(OH)₂)
B. Basicity increases due to decreasing ionic size and increasing
lattice energy. 34.​What happens when lime water (Ca(OH)₂) reacts with
C. Basicity remains constant across the group. carbon dioxide (CO₂)?
D. Basicity increases as ionic size increases and lattice energy A. Calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) is formed along with water.
decreases. B. Calcium oxide (CaO) is formed along with water.
C. Barium carbonate (BaCO₃) is formed.
25.​Which of the following hydroxides is the least soluble in D. Calcium carbonate decomposes into calcium oxide and carbon
water? dioxide.
A. Magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)₂)
B. Calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂) 35.​Which of the following reactions occurs when barium
C. Strontium hydroxide (Sr(OH)₂) hydroxide (Ba(OH)₂) reacts with carbon dioxide (CO₂)?
D. Barium hydroxide (Ba(OH)₂) A. Ba(OH)₂ + CO₂ → BaCO₃ + H₂O
B. Ba(OH)₂ + CO₂ → Ba(OH)₂CO₃
26.​What is the reason for the increasing solubility of Group 2 C. Ba(OH)₂ + CO₂ → Ba(OH)₂ + O₂
hydroxides down the group? D. Ba(OH)₂ + CO₂ → BaO + H₂O
A. The ionic radius increases, and lattice energy decreases.
B. The basicity of the hydroxides increases with atomic number. 36.​Which of the following statements is true about the basicity
C. Lattice energy increases as ionic size increases. of Group 2 hydroxides?
D. The reaction with water becomes more exothermic down the A. The basicity increases as you move up the group.
group. B. The basicity decreases as you move down the group.
C. The basicity increases down the group due to increasing ionic
27.​How is magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)₂) prepared? size and decreasing lattice energy.
A. By reacting magnesium metal with cold water. D. The basicity of Group 2 hydroxides remains constant.
B. By mixing an aqueous sodium hydroxide solution with an
aqueous salt of magnesium. 37.​What happens when Group 2 metals react with oxygen?
C. By reacting magnesium oxide with water. A. They form basic oxides, except for beryllium oxide which is
D. By reacting magnesium carbonate with water. amphoteric.
B. They form amphoteric oxides. D. Magnesium hydride (MgH₂) is ionic and polymeric in structure.
C. They form acidic oxides.
D. They form neutral oxides. 47.​What is the general formula for the hydrides of Group 2
elements?
38.​Which of the following peroxides is the most stable? A. MH
A. Magnesium peroxide (MgO₂) B. MH₃
B. Calcium peroxide (CaO₂) C. MH₂
C. Strontium peroxide (SrO₂) D. M₂H₃
D. Barium peroxide (BaO₂)
48.​Which of the following hydrides is difficult to prepare and
39.​How are calcium peroxide (CaO₂) and magnesium peroxide less stable than the others?
(MgO₂) obtained? A. Calcium hydride (CaH₂)
A. By heating their respective metal oxides in the presence of B. Strontium hydride (SrH₂)
hydrogen. C. Beryllium hydride (BeH₂)
B. By reacting their hydrates with hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). D. Magnesium hydride (MgH₂)
C. By reacting their oxides with hydrogen peroxide.
D. By electrolysis of their respective chlorides. 49.​Which of the following is true about the behavior of Group 2
hydrides in water?
40.​What is formed when peroxides react with acids? A. Group 2 hydrides do not react with water.
A. Water and hydrogen gas are released. B. Group 2 hydrides hydrolyze in water and dilute acids, releasing
B. Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) is released. hydrogen gas.
C. Water and oxygen gas are released. C. Group 2 hydrides do not act as reducing agents in water.
D. Only hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) is released. D. Only beryllium hydride (BeH₂) reacts with water to release
hydrogen gas.
41.​Which of the following is true about beryllium chloride
(BeCl₂)? 50.​Which of the following statements is true about the ionic
A. BeCl₂ is ionic and conducts electricity in the solid state. nature of hydrides in Group 2 elements?
B. BeCl₂ is covalent, hygroscopic, and sublimes without melting. A. All Group 2 hydrides are ionic.
C. BeCl₂ is highly soluble in water. B. Calcium, strontium, and barium hydrides are ionic, while
D. BeCl₂ forms hydrated complexes only in the solid state. beryllium and magnesium hydrides are covalent and polymeric.
C. Only beryllium hydride (BeH₂) is ionic.
42.​Why is anhydrous BeCl₂ not obtained from aqueous D. Magnesium hydride (MgH₂) and calcium hydride (CaH₂) are
solutions? covalent.
A. It decomposes into beryllium and chlorine gas in water.
B. It forms the hydrated complex ion [Be(H₂O)₄]²⁺. 51.​Which of the following is true about the reaction of Group 2
C. It is insoluble in water. elements with dinitrogen (N₂)?
D. It sublimes without melting and cannot be isolated. A. Group 2 elements do not react with dinitrogen.
B. All Group 2 elements form volatile nitrides when they burn in
43.​Which of the following statements is true about the solubility dinitrogen.
of fluorides (MF₂) in water? C. All Group 2 elements form ionic nitrides when they burn in
A. Fluorides of Group 2 metals are highly soluble in water. dinitrogen.
B. Fluorides are insoluble in water because their lattice energy is D. Only beryllium forms ionic nitrides in dinitrogen.
lower than their hydration energy.
C. The solubility of fluorides decreases down the group as lattice 52.​Which of the following statements about Be₃N₂ is correct?
energy decreases. A. Be₃N₂ is a non-volatile ionic nitride.
D. Fluorides are insoluble in water because their lattice energy is B. Be₃N₂ is volatile while other nitrides are non-volatile.
higher than their hydration energy. C. Be₃N₂ is insoluble in water.
D. Be₃N₂ does not decompose upon heating.
44.​Which property of magnesium chloride (MgCl₂), calcium
chloride (CaCl₂), strontium chloride (SrCl₂), and barium 53.​What happens when the nitrides of Group 2 elements react
chloride (BaCl₂) is true? with water?
A. They are ionic, have high melting points, and are insoluble in A. They liberate hydrogen gas.
water. B. They form the corresponding metal oxide.
B. They are ionic, have low melting points, and are soluble in water. C. They liberate ammonia and form the metal hydroxide.
C. They are covalent and soluble in water. D. They dissolve in water without any chemical change.
D. They are insoluble in water and do not dissolve in any solvents.
54.​What is the general formula for the nitrides formed by Group
45.​Why do the solubilities of chlorides, bromides, and iodides of 2 elements when they burn in dinitrogen (N₂)?
Group 2 elements decrease down the group? A. M₃N
A. The hydration energy increases down the group. B. M₂N
B. The lattice energy increases down the group, making them less C. M₃N₂
soluble. D. MN₂
C. The lattice energy decreases more rapidly than hydration energy.
D. The solubility of these salts is independent of the atomic number. 55.​Which of the following is true about the decomposition of
Group 2 nitrides on heating?
46.​Which of the following statements is true about the nature of A. They do not decompose upon heating.
Group 2 hydrides? B. All Group 2 nitrides are stable and do not decompose.
A. Calcium hydride (CaH₂), Strontium hydride (SrH₂), and Barium C. All Group 2 nitrides are crystalline solids that decompose on
hydride (BaH₂) are covalent in nature. heating.
B. Beryllium hydride (BeH₂) is ionic and polymeric. D. Only beryllium nitride decomposes upon heating.
C. Beryllium hydride (BeH₂) is difficult to prepare and less stable
than other Group 2 hydrides. 56.​What is the product when Group 2 nitrides react with water?
A. Only ammonia is liberated.
B. Metal hydroxide and hydrogen gas are formed. 66.​What is the decomposition product when heating Group 2
C. Ammonia and the corresponding metal oxide are formed. sulfates?
D. Ammonia and metal hydroxide are formed. A. Metal oxide and sulfur dioxide (SO₂).
B. Metal oxide and sulfur trioxide (SO₃).
57.​Which of the following is the correct formula for the carbides C. Metal hydroxide and sulfur dioxide (SO₂).
formed by Group 2 elements? D. Metal oxide and sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆).
A. M₂C
B. MC 67.​Which Group 2 sulfate is highly insoluble in water?
C. MC₂ A. BeSO₄
D. M₂C₂ B. CaSO₄
C. MgSO₄
58.​How are ionic carbides (MC₂) formed by Group 2 elements? D. BaSO₄
A. By reacting carbon with hydrogen.
B. By heating the metal with carbon in a furnace or heating their 68.​How do Group 2 nitrates decompose upon heating?
oxides with carbon. A. They decompose to form metal oxide, nitrogen dioxide (NO₂),
C. By reacting the metals with dinitrogen. and oxygen (O₂).
D. By directly reacting the metals with oxygen. B. They form metal hydroxide and nitrogen gas.
C. They decompose to form nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide.
59.​Which of the following statements is true about BeC₂ D. They form nitrogen dioxide and water.
(beryllium carbide)?
A. BeC₂ is a molecular compound that does not react with water. 69.​Which of the following is true about beryllium nitrate
B. BeC₂ is ionic and reacts with water to form methane. (Be(NO₃)₂)?
C. BeC₂ is an ionic compound that forms ammonia when it reacts A. Beryllium nitrate is covalent and forms a basic nitrate.
with water. B. Beryllium nitrate decomposes at around 120°C.
D. BeC₂ is a non-ionic solid that decomposes without forming C. Beryllium nitrate is ionic and decomposes at 50°C.
methane. D. Beryllium nitrate is highly soluble in water.

60.​What happens when BeC₂ reacts with water? 70.​What is the general trend for the thermal stability of nitrates
A. It produces hydrogen gas and the corresponding metal in Group 2 elements?
hydroxide. A. Thermal stability of nitrates decreases down the group.
B. It forms methane gas. B. Thermal stability of nitrates remains constant across the group.
C. It reacts to form carbon dioxide and metal hydroxide. C. Thermal stability of nitrates increases down the group due to
D. It reacts to form ammonia and metal oxide. decreasing charge density.
D. Beryllium nitrate is the most thermally stable among Group 2
61.​Which of the following is true about the solubility of Group 2 nitrates.
carbonates?
A. All Group 2 carbonates are equally soluble in water. 71.​Which of the following is true about beryllium’s behavior
B. Solubility of carbonates decreases down the group, with BeCO₃ compared to other Group 2 elements?
being the most soluble. A. Beryllium is more reactive with water than magnesium.
C. Barium carbonate (BaCO₃) is more soluble than magnesium B. Beryllium forms only ionic compounds due to its high charge
carbonate (MgCO₃). density.
D. The solubility of carbonates increases down the group, with C. Beryllium does not react with water, unlike magnesium, calcium,
BaCO₃ being the most soluble. strontium, and barium.
D. Beryllium forms stable carbonates that do not decompose easily.
62.​What happens when Group 2 carbonates are heated?
A. They decompose to form oxides and nitrogen gas. 72.​What is the primary reason beryllium forms covalent
B. They decompose to form metal oxides and CO₂. compounds instead of ionic compounds like other Group 2
C. They react with water to form metal hydroxides. elements?
D. They remain stable at high temperatures without decomposition. A. Its larger atomic radius and lower charge density.
B. Its small atomic radius, high charge density, and strong
63.​Which of the following is true about the thermal stability of polarizing power.
Group 2 carbonates? C. Its ability to form simple ionic bonds easily.
A. Thermal stability decreases down the group, with beryllium D. Its high reactivity with water.
carbonate being the most stable.
B. Thermal stability is highest for magnesium carbonate. 73.​Which of the following is a unique characteristic of beryllium
C. Thermal stability increases down the group, with barium compared to other Group 2 elements?
carbonate being the most stable. A. Beryllium oxide (BeO) is basic, unlike other Group 2 oxides.
D. Thermal stability remains constant across the group. B. Beryllium does not form stable carbonates, while other Group 2
elements do.
64.​Which sulfate is most soluble in water among Group 2 C. Beryllium forms ionic halides that dissolve easily in water.
sulfates? D. Beryllium reacts vigorously with water to form hydrogen gas.
A. Barium sulfate (BaSO₄)
B. Calcium sulfate (CaSO₄) 74.​Which of the following is a use of beryllium oxide (BeO)?
C. Magnesium sulfate (MgSO₄) A. It is used in the manufacture of X-ray tubes due to its high
D. Beryllium sulfate (BeSO₄) electron density.
B. It is used in nuclear reactors for its ceramic properties.
65.​What is the main use of magnesium sulfate (MgSO₄·7H₂O)? C. It is used as a lubricant in the automotive industry.
A. It is used to make Plaster of Paris. D. It is used in the production of medicinal compounds.
B. It is used as a mild laxative.
C. It is used in diagnosing stomach ulcers. 75.​How does beryllium differ from other Group 2 elements in its
D. It is used as an antacid. reaction with water?
A. Beryllium reacts with water at high temperatures, unlike other 84.​Which Group 2 compound is used in the production of
Group 2 elements. quicklime and cement?
B. Beryllium does not react with water under any conditions. A. Magnesium carbonate (MgCO₃)
C. Beryllium reacts more violently with water than magnesium. B. Calcium carbonate (CaCO₃)
D. Beryllium forms an amphoteric oxide that reacts with both acids C. Barium sulfate (BaSO₄)
and bases. D. Magnesium sulfate (MgSO₄)

76.​What is the main use of magnesium in the aerospace 85.​How is calcium essential for human physiology?
industry? A. It is required for enzyme function in the body.
A. It is used in the construction of X-ray tubes. B. It is crucial for blood clotting and muscle contraction.
B. It is used to make aircraft bodies, parts, and motor car engines C. It helps in the formation of chlorophyll in plants.
due to its lightness and strength. D. It plays a role in regulating ATP metabolism in the body.
C. It is used as a reducing agent in chemical reactions.
D. It is used in making alloys for the production of fertilizers. 86.​Which compound is used in the steel industry and as a
contrast medium in X-ray diagnostics?
77.​Which of the following is a characteristic of magnesium A. Fluorite (CaF₂)
hydride (MgH₂) compared to beryllium hydride (BeH₂)? B. Gypsum (CaSO₄)
A. Magnesium hydride is polymeric, whereas beryllium hydride is C. Barytes (BaSO₄)
not. D. Magnesite (MgCO₃)
B. Magnesium hydride is covalent, whereas beryllium hydride is
ionic. 87.​What is the impact of permanent hardness in water?
C. Beryllium hydride is polymeric, while magnesium hydride is not. A. It can be easily removed by boiling the water.
D. Magnesium hydride is less stable than beryllium hydride. B. It results from magnesium bicarbonate and calcium bicarbonate.
C. It cannot be removed by boiling.
78.​What role does calcium play in the iron and steel industry? D. It is caused by magnesium chloride and calcium chloride.
A. Calcium is used as a reducing agent to remove oxygen from
ores. 88.​Which of the following uses of magnesium (Mg²⁺) is NOT
B. Calcium is used to control the carbon content in cast iron. related to its role in biology or human technology?
C. Calcium is used to stabilize abnormal nerve excitation in A. Used as an alloying agent in aircraft bodies due to its strength
steelworkers. and lightness.
D. Calcium is used as a flux to remove impurities from steel. B. Used in the production of Grignard reagents for organic
synthesis.
79.​What is the primary use of calcium sulfate (CaSO₄) in the C. Essential for chlorophyll in plants.
construction industry? D. Primarily used in the construction of structural materials for
A. It is used in the production of plaster of Paris (POP). high-speed aircraft.
B. It is used to stabilize cement.
C. It is used to make durable building bricks. 89.​Which of the following is a use of beryllium (Be)?
D. It is used as a primary ingredient in the making of paints. A. It is used as a component in nuclear reactors due to its ceramic
properties.
80.​Which of the following statements is true regarding B. It is used in the production of magnesium alloys.
beryllium’s interaction with aluminum? C. It is used in the treatment of cancer because of its radioactive
A. Beryllium has no notable interaction with aluminum. properties.
B. Beryllium forms an alloy with aluminum for use in aircraft D. It is used in the manufacture of softening agents for water.
construction.
C. Beryllium shows a diagonal relationship with aluminum in Group 90.​Which compound is used to soften water and is a key
3 due to similar chemical properties. component in the production of glass?
D. Beryllium reacts with aluminum to form a stable compound used A. Gypsum (CaSO₄)
in nuclear reactors. B. Fluorite (CaF₂)
C. Limestone (CaCO₃)
81.​Which of the following is true about the biological role of D. Barytes (BaSO₄)
magnesium (Mg²⁺)?
A. Magnesium is essential for maintaining the beating of the heart.
B. Magnesium forms complexes with ATP and acts as an enzyme
cofactor.
C. Magnesium is primarily responsible for blood clotting.
D. Magnesium is not involved in plant physiology.

82.​What is the primary cause of temporary hardness in water?

A. Magnesium sulfate (MgSO₄)
B. Calcium sulfate (CaSO₄)
C. Magnesium bicarbonate (Mg(HCO₃)₂) and calcium bicarbonate
(Ca(HCO₃)₂)
D. Magnesium chloride (MgCl₂)

83.​Which of the following is NOT a method to remove

temporary hardness from water?
A. Boiling the water to release CO₂
B. Adding slaked lime to precipitate calcium carbonate
C. Using a water softener with ion-exchange resins
D. Filtration to remove the precipitate of CaCO₃