What Is Group 2? Alkaline Earth Metals

This lesson covers the alkaline earth metals in group two of the periodic table, focusing on magnesium and calcium. It explains their properties, such as having two valence electrons and forming ions with a plus-two charge. The video details the reactions of magnesium and calcium with oxygen and water, highlighting the formation of oxides and hydroxides. Magnesium reacts with oxygen to form magnesium oxide and with steam to produce magnesium oxide and hydrogen gas. Calcium reacts with oxygen to form calcium oxide and with cold water to produce calcium hydroxide and hydrogen gas. The lesson also compares the reactivity of these metals, noting that reactivity increases down the group.

Which of the following is NOT an alkaline earth metal?

• Beryllium

• Calcium

• Magnesium

• Sodium

What happens to the reactivity of alkaline earth metals as you move down the group?

• It increases

• It fluctuates

• It remains the same

• It decreases

What is the product formed when magnesium reacts with oxygen?

• Magnesium carbonate

• Magnesium chloride

• Magnesium oxide

• Magnesium hydroxide

How does calcium appear when freshly cut?

• Rusty and red

• Shiny and silver

• Black and matte

• Dull and gray

What color flame does calcium produce when it burns?

• Blue

• Yellow

• Green

• Red

What is the main difference in the reaction of magnesium and calcium with water?

• Both react with cold water

• Calcium reacts with cold water, magnesium with steam

• Both react with steam

• Magnesium reacts with cold water, calcium with steam

What gas is produced when calcium reacts with water?

• Carbon dioxide

• Hydrogen

• Nitrogen

• Oxygen