How does the reactivity of group 2 elements change down the group, and what is the cause of this trend?

Each row on the periodic table represents a new energy level/electron shell. So as you go down the group there are more energy levels, increasing the atomic radius. The first electron to react will be on the outer shell.

The reactivity increases down the group from Mg to Ba. This is because the further away an electron is from the nucleus, the weaker its attraction and the more likely it is to react with another atom. More energy levels also means there is more nuclear ‘shielding’ from other electrons, further weakening the outer electrons’ attraction to the nuclei.

RR
Answered by Ruth R. Chemistry tutor

46239 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Why does the first ionisation energy increase across period 3?


What is chirality/optical isomerism?


Explain, in the context of catalysis, the term heterogeneous and describe the first stage in the mechanism of this type of catalysis.


Briefly describe the concept of electronegativity and explain why CCl4 is a non-polar molecule


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning