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.

Answered by Megan F. Chemistry tutor

7265 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Why are molecules coloured?


Why do first ionisation energies decrease down a group?


(See word doc for complete info) An experiment is carried out whereby the decomposition of hydrogen iodide is observed. Given the equilibrium compositions of each species, calculate the initial mass of hydrogen iodide.


How can you deduce the order of the reaction with respect to the reagent based on the graph of its concentration against time?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences