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
Answered by Joe C. Chemistry tutor

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