The group 2 elements are called the alkaline earth metals. The physical properties and chemical reactivity depend upon the electronic structure of the elements.

... Group 2 trends - The group 2 elements are called the alkaline earth metals. The physical properties and chemical reactivity depend upon the electronic structure of the elements. Atomic radius - the distance between nucleus and the outer shell (measured in units nm) Trend - atomic radius increases down the group Explanation There are more filled energy levels between the nucleus and the outer electrons therefore the outer electrons are more shielded from the attraction of the nucleus so the electrons in the outer energy levels are further from the nucleus and the atomic radius increases. As the number of protons in the nucleus increases going down Group 2, you might expect the atomic radius to decrease because the nuclear charge increases. This does not happen, because although the electrons in the inner energy levels become closer to the nucleus, the factors described above have a greater influence on the atomic radius overall. First ionisation energy

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