Calcium reacts vigorously with cold water to form calcium

hydroxide. A white precipitate is observed, but some Ca(OH)2

dissolves to form a weakly alkaline solution.

Ca(s) + 2H2O(l) → Ca(OH)2(s) + H2(g)

Radium reacts the most vigorously with cold water.

The nitrate (V) of radium is resistant to thermal decomposition

2Ra(NO3)2(s) → 2RaO(s) + 4NO2(g) + O2(g)

Ra(OH)2

Radium hydroxide is moderately soluble in water. The pH of any

solution formed would be in the range of between 13-14(highly
alkaline solution).
 very reactive with
oxygen Reacts vigorously in
water
reactive with oxygen reacts slowly with cold
water

The reactivity with oxygen increases down the group. This is why going
down the group from Mg to Ba, the reactivity with oxygen increases.
Magnesium reacts very slowly with cold water but more vigorously with
steam to form magnesium oxide and hydrogen. This is why magnesium
reacts slowly with cold water and barium reacts vigorously in water.
 2Ca(s) + O2(g) → 2CaO(s)

Ca(s) + 2H2O(l) → Ca(OH)2(s) + H2(g)

The solubility of Group II sulphates in water decreases down the group.

Solubility depends on the enthalpy change of solution, ∆HØ

sol. As a rough guide, the more endothermic the value of ∆HØ
sol, the less soluble is the salt. The enthalpy change of solution
depends on the relative values of the lattice energy, ∆HØlatt and the
enthalpy changes of hydration of the aqueous ions, ∆HØ
 Calcium carbonate

Nontoxic compound

The solubility of Group II sulphates in water decreases down the group.

Solubility depends on the enthalpy change of solution, ∆HØsol.

As a rough guide, the more endothermic the value of ∆HØsol,
the less soluble is the salt.

Going down Group II, the carbonates become more resistant to thermal
decomposition.

Quicklime reacts violently with water, and may release heat

sufficient to ignite fires as the boats transported it.

Cao + H2O → Ca (OH)2

 Be + e– → Be–

As we go down the group, the outer electrons are:

further away from the nucleus
screened more effectively by the greater number of inner electron shells.
These factors outweigh the effect of the increased nuclear charge and so it
is easier to remove these electrons as we go down the group.

Ca(s) + 2H2O(l) → Ca(OH)2(s) + H2(g)

As the group descends the solubility of the sulphates of group II
elements decreases from very soluble to insoluble. This is as a
result of the enthalpy change of solution, ∆HØsol. The more
endothermic the value of ∆HØsol, the less soluble is the salt.
The reaction of Ba with water is a vigorous reaction, liberating hydrogen gas.
Ba (s) + H20 (l) --> Ba(OH)2 (aq) + H2 (g)

BaSO4 is sparingly soluble.

[Ba2+] released is below that of toxicity level.
Thermally stable

Rapid reaction

MgO stable to heat; MgO has a high melting point.

CO2-

NO2- and O2-

CaCO3

Ca(NO3)2
 M ---> M2+ + 2e-

Reducing ionization energy results in a greater tendency to

form ions which leads to greater reactivity.

Insoluble

2Ra(NO3)2(s) --> 2RaO(s) + 4NO2(g) + O2(g)

 Prepare equimolar solutions of ions Mg2+(aq), Ca2+(aq) and
Ba2+(aq). Place equal samples of each solution in separate
test tubes and add equal volumes of soluble sulfate.

Magnesium chloride, calcium chloride, barium chloride and

sulphuric acid

Manufacture of cement, marble in consytruction and plater of Paris.