Alkaline earth metals The metals in group II are alkaline earth metals.

They are less reactive than alkali metals. Compounds of the group II metals are often used in fireworks, because of their characteristic flame colours. Common properties of alkaline earth metals 1. They are reactive and tarnish easily in air. 2. They have low density compared with most metals, but they do not float on water. 3. They form positive ions with +2 charge. 4. They form compounds that have similar formulas. Eg: MgCl2, CaCl2, BaCl2 5. They react with non metals to form ionic salts that are white. Trends in reactivity The reactivity of the alkaline earth metals increases going down the group. Beryllium (at the top) is the least reactive and barium (at the bottom) is the most reactive.

Reaction with water Magnesium reacts very slowly when placed in cold water. Mg(s) + 2H2O(l) Mg(OH)2(s) + H2(g) If steam is passed over heated magnesium, a much more vigorous reaction is obtained. Mg(s) + H2O(g) MgO(s) + H2(g)

Calcium reacts strongly with cold water, giving off hydrogen rapidly. Ca(s) + 2H2O(l) Ca(OH)2(aq) + H2(g) Ca(OH)2 is more soluble than Mg(OH)2, so an alkaline solution is produced (lime water). Reactions of burning magnesium Magnesium burns in pure oxygen, producing a white ash, MgO. 2Mg(s) + O2(g) 2MgO(s)

Uses and importance of Mg and Ca Magnesium 1. Magnesium alloys are used in aircraft, car and bicycle industries. 2. Plants need magnesium for healthy growth. Magnesium is one of the elements needed to make chlorophyll, the green pigment involved in photosynthesis. 3. In animal cells, magnesium ions are necessary for the activity of certain key enzymes involved in cell growth. Magnesium deficiency results in lack of growth and in learning disabilities.

Calcium 1. Calcium is an essential part of the diet of animals. A deficiency of calcium prevents bones and teeth developing properly. Lack of calcium results in rickets, a condition in which bones soften and become deformed, and osteoporosis in older people, where the bones become brittle. 2. Calcium carbonate is particularly important since it occurs in three different forms: lime stone, chalk and marble. The effect of rain water on these rocks results in hard water in certain geographical regions. Reactivity increases down the group, in groups I and II. Atomic size increases down the group. So the distance between the outer electrons and nucleus increases, attraction between them decreases. This means that the outer electrons in the larger atoms of a group are lost more easily. Hence larger atoms are more reactive than smaller atoms.

Lime stone cycle

Uses of lime stone (CaCO3) steel (lime stone removes impurities in furnace) cement paper (used to whiten and provide bulk) neutralize acidic soil and lakes affected by acid rain. glass buildings and roads

Obj: describe alkaline earth metals Out: Able to describe properties, trends in reactivity and uses of group II metals. Able to draw lime stone cycle and to explain the reason for increasing reactivity down the group.