The alkaline earth metals are denser and harder than the corresponding alkali metals. Explain ?
What is the trend of atomic and ionic radii of alkaline earth metals within the group?
Within the group, the atomic as well as ionic radii increase in going from beryllium (Be) to radium (Ra). This is due to the addition of new shells, the effect of which is more predominate than the increase in nuclear charge.
The atomic and ionic radii of alkaline earth metals are smaller than those of the corresponding alkali metals. Explain.
How will you explain that alkaline earth metals have much higher melting and boiling points than those of alkali metals?
The first ionisation enthalpies of alkaline earth metals are higher than those of corresponding alkali metals. Explain.
Second ionisation enthalpies of alkali metals are much higher than those of the alkaline earth metals. Explain.
How will you explain the electropositive or metallic character of alkaline earth metals?