Explain why the reactivity of Group 2 elements increases down the group.

Moving down Group 2, the atomic radius increases as there are more electron shells. This also means that the outermost electrons are more shielded from the positive charge of the nucleus. This decreases the attraction between the nucleus and outer electrons, and therefore less energy is required to remove the outer electron in a reaction.

JC

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

At what temperature does the reaction become feasible? When ΔH = 492.7 kJmol^-1 and ΔS = 542.6 JK^-1mol^-1.


What are the features of a dynamic equilibrium?


Given the following equilibrium: H2O + H2O <-> H3O+ + OH- and the Kw = 10^-14, determine the concentration of OH- species after the addition of 1 mmol of HCl to 1 L of neutral water.


What evidence is there for delocalisation in benzene?