Question

The metal of Group 2 from top to bottom arc Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, and Ba.

1) Which one of these elements will form ions most readily and why?

2) State the common feature in the electronic configuration of all these elements.

Answer 1

1) In group 2, the atomic size increases down the group. As the atomic size increases, the nuclear charge decreases. Due to this, electrons of the outermost shell lie further away from the nucleus making the removal of electrons easy. So, Ba will form ions readily.

2) All the elements have 2 electrons in their valence shell.