Alkali and alkaline earth metals behave in similar ways because of where they are located on the periodic table.
Alkali Metals (Group 1)
Reactivity: These metals are really reactive, especially when they come into contact with water.
Trend: The reactivity gets stronger as you go down the group. (Lithium < Sodium < Potassium < Rubidium < Cesium)
Example: Sodium has a strong reaction with water. When they mix, they create sodium hydroxide and hydrogen gas:
Alkaline Earth Metals (Group 2)
Reactivity: These metals are less reactive than alkali metals, but they still react with water, mostly when it's in the form of steam.
Trend: Like alkali metals, their reactivity also increases as you go down the group. (Beryllium < Magnesium < Calcium < Strontium < Barium)
Example: Calcium reacts with water to form calcium hydroxide and hydrogen gas:
In summary, as we move down each group of metals, they become more reactive. This is because it gets easier for them to lose their electrons.
Alkali and alkaline earth metals behave in similar ways because of where they are located on the periodic table.
Alkali Metals (Group 1)
Reactivity: These metals are really reactive, especially when they come into contact with water.
Trend: The reactivity gets stronger as you go down the group. (Lithium < Sodium < Potassium < Rubidium < Cesium)
Example: Sodium has a strong reaction with water. When they mix, they create sodium hydroxide and hydrogen gas:
Alkaline Earth Metals (Group 2)
Reactivity: These metals are less reactive than alkali metals, but they still react with water, mostly when it's in the form of steam.
Trend: Like alkali metals, their reactivity also increases as you go down the group. (Beryllium < Magnesium < Calcium < Strontium < Barium)
Example: Calcium reacts with water to form calcium hydroxide and hydrogen gas:
In summary, as we move down each group of metals, they become more reactive. This is because it gets easier for them to lose their electrons.