Chapter 18, Problem 12E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The valence electron configuration, some common properties and the methods to prepare alkaline earth metals should be determined.

Concept introduction: Elements in group 2 of periodic table is said to be alkaline earth metals and this group contains six elements: $\text{Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba}$ and $\text{Ra}$ . On moving down the group the atomic size increases due to addition of new shells thus, the atomic size increases on moving from Be to Ra.