Alkaline earth metal

Group IIA elements are called alkaline earth metals because these elements are found on the earth's surface and are dissolved in water to form an alkaline solution. For eg : Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba and Ra.

· Properties of Alkaline earth metal

1) Electronic configuration

This metal has two valence electron in the outermost shell. So, the electronic configuration is ns².

for eg: Be ------» 1s²,2s²

Mg- -----»1s²,2s²2p⁶,3s²

Ca-------» 1s²,2s²2p⁶,3s²3p⁶,4s²

2) Atomic and ionic size

The atomic and ionic sizes of these metals are smaller as compared to alkali metals and the size goes on increasing as we move down in group.

3) Ionization energy

The first ionization energy is higher and this energy goes on decreasing on moving in a group.

4) Boiling and melting point

These metals have high melting and boiling point as compared to alkali metals due to it’s smaller size.

5) Oxidation state
It has +2 oxidation state.

· Uses of Calcium oxide ( Cao )
- used in the manufacture of bleaching powder
- used as building materials
- used in the manufacture of washing soda, glass, etc.
- used as a very good fertilizer
- used in the drying of gases and alcohol

· Uses of Plasters of paris ( CaSO₄ ½ H₂O )
- used for producing pottery, ceramics, etc.
- used for making chalk
- used for setting broken and fractured bones in the body
- used in making artificial marbles, statues, models, etc

· Uses of Bleaching powder ( CaOCl₂)
- used as a disinfectant
- used for purification of water
- used in the preparation of chloroform
- used as the oxidizing agent

· Uses of Magnesia ( MgO )
- used in the manufacture of fire bricks
- used in the casting of plaster and filling teeth
- used as antacid for correcting acidity of stomach
- used for making crucibles and cuples