Write short notes on the following types of elements –

alkaline earth metals

Alkaline earth metals —

1. The elements of group 2 [IIA] from ⁴Be [Beryllium] to ⁸⁸Ra [Radium] are called Alkaline earth metals.
2. They are light metals and are divalent with two valence electrons in their outer shell. They are reducing agents as they can donate the two electrons to achieve stable electronic configuration.
3. They have properties similar to alkali metals but are slightly less reactive than alkali metals.
4. They are good conductors of heat & electricity.
5. They form electrovalent compounds with non-metals. e.g. CaCl₂, MgO.