The group two elements consist of Beryllium, Magnesium, Calcium, Strontium, Barium and Radium

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The Uses and Significance of Group 2 Compounds

The group two elements consist of Beryllium, Magnesium, Calcium, Strontium, Barium and Radium. These are known as the ‘Group Two elements’ because of their unique electron division. Each one of these elements, consists of two outer shell electrons. Because of the lack of outer electrons, these elements are highly reactive. Group two electrons have a positive Two charge or +ve. The Group 2 elements are all metals with a shiny, silvery-white colour. The alkaline earth metals are high in the reactivity series of metals, but not as high as the alkali metals of Group 1. These elements are all found in the Earth’s crust, but not in the elemental form as they are so reactive. Instead, they are widely distributed in rock structures. The metals of Group 2 are harder and denser than sodium and potassium, and have higher melting points. The chemical properties of Group 2 elements are dominated by the strong reducing power of the metals. The elements become increasingly electropositive on descending the Group. The last element in Group 2, Radium, is not yet definite in terms of melting points or density due to its very strong radioactivity emission.

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Beryllium is used for X-ray windows (Beryllium transmits X-rays 17 times better than aluminium), as a 2% alloy with nickel for springs, electrodes and non-sparking tools. Beryllium (2%) alloyed with copper gives a hard strong alloy with high resistance to wear used in gyroscopes, computer parts, and instruments. Magnesium is used in flares and pyrotechnics, including incendiary bombs. It was used in flash photography and is lighter than aluminium. It is also used in alloys used for aircrafts, car engine casings, and missile construction. Calcium is a reducing agent for the preparation of metals such as thorium, uranium, zirconium, ...

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