The elements in group 2 are the alkaline earth metals and have two electrons in the outermost shell.
They are so called because the metal hydroxides are alkaline. They are found as stable compounds such as oxides and carbonates in the earth's crust and not in their native state because they are reactive metals.The most common reactions are redox reactions. The elements are oxidised as they lose two electrons and are reducing agents because they transfer the two electrons to another species.
Ca → Ca2+ + 2e-
Another species will gain these electrons and be reduced.
They are so called because the metal hydroxides are alkaline. They are found as stable compounds such as oxides and carbonates in the earth's crust and not in their native state because they are reactive metals.The most common reactions are redox reactions. The elements are oxidised as they lose two electrons and are reducing agents because they transfer the two electrons to another species.
Another species will gain these electrons and be reduced.