Explain the trend in reactivity of group 2 elements with water as you go down the group.

As you go down group 2, atom size increases. Larger atoms experience more shielding. There is an increase in nuclear charge going down group 2 elements so you would expect the outer electrons to be held more tightly by the atom due to electrostatic interactions. However, shielding of larger atoms mean that outer electrons are lost more easily as you go down group 2. Therefore, group 2 elements become more reactive with water going down the group.

MF
Answered by Megan F. Chemistry tutor

7831 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Describe the mechanism for bromination across a double bond


What is the acid dissociation constant, Ka of the 0.150 mol dm–3 solution of weak acid HA with pH of 2.34?


How do London Forces/Van der Waal's forces arise?


How are London forces (Van Der Waals) formed?


We're here to help

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

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences