Question

The alkaline earth metals in Group 1A are extremely reactive. The ___________of these metals increases from the top of the group to the bottom.

a) density
b) reactivity
c) conductivity
d) atomic number

Answer 1

The reactivity of alkaline earth metals in Group 2A increases from top to bottom due to the increasing atomic number and the ease of losing valence electrons.

Step-by-step explanation:

The reactivity of the alkaline earth metals in Group 2A increases from the top of the group to the bottom. This is due to the increasing atomic number, which results in the ease of losing the lone valence electron (decreasing ionization energy). As a result, oxidation is easier, making these metals more reactive. The solid alkali metals are also very soft and have low density.