Question detail
Which Group 2 metal reacts most vigorously with water?
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
MCQ
Type
practice
Style
Topic
Group 2, the alkaline earth metals
Question
- A. Beryllium
- B. Magnesium
- C. Calcium
- D. Barium
Answer
Barium
Explanation
Barium reacts most vigorously with water among the Group 2 metals due to its higher reactivity, which increases down the group. This is because the outer electrons are more easily lost as the atomic radius increases.
Common mistake
Misunderstanding Reactivity Trends
Students often confuse the trend in reactivity down Group 2 with the trend in ionisation energy, thinking that as ionisation energy decreases, reactivity also decreases.
To clarify, remember that reactivity increases down Group 2 due to the decreasing ionisation energy, which makes it easier for the atoms to lose their outer electrons. The formula for first ionisation energy is related to the energy required to remove an electron from an atom. As you move down the group, the atomic radius increases, leading to a decrease in ionisation energy. Therefore, the substitution shows that larger atoms lose electrons more easily, resulting in increased reactivity. Thus, the conclusion is that reactivity increases down Group 2.
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