Alkaline earth metals: a brief description

Alkaline earth metals are elements that belong to the second group of the periodic table. This includes such substances as calcium, magnesium, barium, beryllium, strontium and radium. The name of this group indicates that in the water they give an alkaline reaction.

Alkaline and alkaline earth metals, or rather their salts, are widely distributed in nature. They are represented by minerals. The exception is radium, which is considered a fairly rare element.

All of the above metals have some common qualities, which made it possible to combine them into one group.

Alkaline earth metals and their physical properties

Virtually all of these elements are gray matter solids (at least under normal conditions and room temperature). By the way, the physical properties of alkali metals are slightly different - these substances, though rather persistent, are easily affected.

It is interesting that the index of metal, such as density, also grows with the serial number in the table. For example, in this group, calcium is the least indicator, while radium is similar in density to iron.

Alkaline earth metals: chemical properties

To begin with, it is worth noting that the chemical activity increases according to the ordinal number of the periodic table. For example, beryllium is a fairly persistent element. It reacts with oxygen and halogens only with strong heating. The same applies to magnesium. But calcium is able to slowly oxidize at room temperature. The remaining three representatives of the group (radium, barium and strontium) react quickly with oxygen in the air already at room temperature. That is why they store these elements, covering with a layer of kerosene.

The activity of oxides and hydroxides of these metals increases according to the same scheme. For example, beryllium hydroxide does not dissolve in water and is considered an amphoteric substance, and barium hydroxide is considered a fairly strong alkali.

Alkaline earth metals and their brief characteristics

Beryllium is a persistent metal of light gray color, which has a high toxicity. The element was first discovered in 1798 by chemist Voklen. In nature, there are several minerals of beryllium, of which the most famous are the following: beryl, phenacite, danalite and chrysoberyl. By the way, some isotopes of beryllium possess high radioactivity.

Interestingly, some forms of beryl are valuable jewels. Here you can include emerald, aquamarine and heliodorus.

Beryllium is used to make some alloys, rocket fuel. In nuclear power this element is used to slow neutrons.

Calcium is one of the most famous alkaline earth metals. In its pure form it is a soft substance of white color with a silvery tinge. For the first time pure calcium was isolated in 1808. In nature this element is present in the form of minerals such as marble, limestone and gypsum. Calcium is widely used in modern technologies. It is used as a chemical fuel source, and also as a fireproof material. It's not a secret that calcium compounds are used in the production of building materials and medicines.

This element is also found in every living body. Basically, he is responsible for the operation of the motor apparatus.

Magnesium is a light and rather malleable metal with a characteristic grayish color. In its pure form was isolated in 1808, but its salts became known much earlier. In natural conditions, magnesium is found in minerals such as magnesite, dolomite, carnallite, and kieserite. By the way, magnesium salt provides hardness of water. A huge number of compounds of this substance can be found in seawater.