Explain why the reactivity of Group 2 elements increases down the group.

Moving down Group 2, the atomic radius increases as there are more electron shells. This also means that the outermost electrons are more shielded from the positive charge of the nucleus. This decreases the attraction between the nucleus and outer electrons, and therefore less energy is required to remove the outer electron in a reaction.

JC
Answered by Joe C. Chemistry tutor

7632 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

What shape does XeF4 take?


There are two stable isotopes of Bromine, Br-79, Br-81. If a sample of Br2 is fed into a mass spectrometer, how many peaks would be observed in the spectrum?


What is the angle between bonds of a H2O molecule


Potassium Chlorate(VII) decomposes to produce Potassium Chloride and Oxygen. Using the following data calculate the enthalpy change of this decomposition: Enthalpy of formation(KClO4) = -430 kJ mol-1, Enthalpy of formation(KCl) = -440 kJ mol-1


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:

© 2026 by IXL Learning