9.1 Group 2, the alkaline
earth metals
Follow up sheet
AQA Chemistry
The reactions of Group 2 – the alkaline earth
metals
Specification reference
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3.1.2
Learning objectives
After completing the worksheet you should be able to:
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describe and explain the relative reactivities of the Group 2 metals with water
describe the trend in solubilities of Group 2 sulfates in water
describe the trend in solubilities of Group 2 hydroxides in water
describe the reaction of magnesium with steam
describe the reactions of the Group 2 metals with water, dilute acids, and oxygen
explain how barium chloride can be used to identify sulfate(VI) ions in solution
apply your ideas about the solubility of barium sulfate to understand why it can
be used in medical procedures to identify digestive disorders.
Questions
1
2
3
4
When the Group 2 metals react with water, hydrogen is produced.
a Describe a test for hydrogen and state what the observation is.
b Write an equation, including state symbols, to show what happens during this
test.
c Construct a balanced equation for the reaction of the metals with water.
Include state symbols.
i barium
ii calcium
iii magnesium
(2 marks)
(2 marks)
(2 marks)
(2 marks)
(2 marks)
The reactivity of Group 2 metals increases down the group. Explain this trend,
using your ideas about ionisation energies.
(4 marks)
The Group 2 metals also react with oxygen.
a Construct an equation, including state symbols, to show the reaction of
barium with oxygen.
b Using oxidation states, explain why this is a redox reaction.
(2 marks)
(3 marks)
Describe how barium chloride can be used to test for sulfate(VI) ions in a
solution potassium sulfate(VI). In your answer you should include any reagents
that are needed, a positive observation for the test and any relevant equations.
(4 marks)
© Oxford University Press 2015
www.oxfordsecondary.co.uk/acknowledgements
This resource sheet may have been changed from the original
1
9.1 Group 2, the alkaline
earth metals
Follow up sheet
AQA Chemistry
5
Barium sulfate, BaSO4, is used in medicine to diagnose a variety of digestive
disorders. When a patient swallows a ‘barium meal’, they are ingesting a
suspension of barium sulfate. An x-ray is then taken of the patient’s digestive
system. Due to the high density of barium salts, x-rays cannot pass through
them so it is then very easy to see a clear outline of the digestive system.
If barium salts are soluble or react with acids, then they are considered to
be toxic.
a Why is barium sulfate a suitable compound to be used in ‘barium meals’?
Barium carbonate is insoluble in water but will react with acids.
b What is the formula for barium carbonate?
c Suggest why barium carbonate is not used in “barium meals”. Use an
equation to explain your ideas.
© Oxford University Press 2015
(1 mark)
(1 mark)
(3 marks)
www.oxfordsecondary.co.uk/acknowledgements
This resource sheet may have been changed from the original
2