The group 2 elements react with water to form alkaline hydroxides with the general formula M(OH)2 and hydrogen gas. Magnesium reacts very slowly with cold water but the reactivity increases down the group.Mg(s) + 2H2O(l) → Mg(OH)2(s) +H2(g) Magnesium reacts rapidly with steam to form magnesium oxide.Mg(s) + H2O(g) → MgO(s) + H2(g)
Reaction with Water
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Specification: AQA Chemistry (7404), AS-level, 3.2.2 Group 2, the alkaline earth metals. Topic: Group 2.
Key terms in this lesson
- Group
- A vertical column of the periodic table, containing elements with the same number of outer-shell electrons.
More in Group 2
- Group 2 Elements
- Physical Properties
- Ionisation Energies
- Calcium
- Solubility of Hydroxides
- Solubility of Sulfates
All 7 lessons in Group 2 · All AQA AS-level Chemistry topics