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Group 2 Elements - Alkaline Earth Metals

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Estimated time: 9 minutes
Maharashtra State Board: Class 12

Definition: Alkaline Earth Metals

The Group 2 elements (Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Ra) are called alkaline earth metals. They are less reactive than alkali metals. Radium (Ra) is the first radioactive element in this group, discovered by Madame Curie.

Maharashtra State Board: Class 12

Key Points: Alkaline Earth Metals

Electronic Configurations:

Period Element Symbol Atomic No. Electronic Configuration
2 Beryllium Be 4 [He] 2s²
3 Magnesium Mg 12 [Ne] 3s²
4 Calcium Ca 20 [Ar] 4s²
5 Strontium Sr 38 [Kr] 5s²
6 Barium Ba 56 [Xe] 6s²
7 Radium Ra 88 [Rn] 7s²

Periodic Trends in Group 2:

Property Trend Down the Group
Atomic radius Increases
Ionic radius Increases
Density Irregular trend
Ionisation enthalpy (1st and 2nd) Decreases up to Ba
Melting point Irregular trend

Importance of Alkaline Earth Metals

  • Mg²⁺ ions are a constituent of chlorophyll — the green pigment in plants responsible for photosynthesis
  • Ca²⁺ ions play a vital role in blood clotting (coagulation cascade)
  • Ca²⁺ is essential for the formation and strength of bones and teeth (as calcium phosphate)
  • Mg²⁺ is required for the activity of many enzymes in the body
  • Ca²⁺ ions are involved in muscle contraction and nerve signal transmission
  • Sr and Ba compounds are generally toxic to biological systems
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