CHAPTER 17

Hydrogen and s-Block Elements

Detailed Easy-English Notes - Part 3

Section 17.3: Group 1 and Group 2 Elements

This PDF includes all remaining topics:

Group 1 alkali metals: occurrence, configurations, trends and reactions
Lithium: anomalous behaviour and diagonal relationship with magnesium
Manufacture, properties and uses of NaOH, Na2CO3 and NaHCO3
Group 2 alkaline earth metals: occurrence, configurations, trends and reactions
Beryllium: anomalous behaviour and diagonal relationship with aluminium
Calcium oxide, calcium carbonate and biological roles of Na+, K+, Mg2+ and Ca2+
Master reaction list, comparison tables, revision map and exam questions

Based on NIOS Chemistry (313), Lesson 17

NIOS Chemistry - Lesson 17 | Part 3: s-Block Elements

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Part 3 Overview: What Are s-Block Elements?
The s-block contains the elements in Group 1 and Group 2 of the periodic table. They are called s-block
elements because the last electron enters an s-orbital.

Group Family name General configuration Common ion

Group 1 Alkali metals ns1 M+

Group 2 Alkaline earth metals ns2 M2+

These metals are highly electropositive. This means that they lose their outer electrons easily and form positive
ions. Their compounds are mainly ionic, and they usually show only one common oxidation state: +1 for Group
1 and +2 for Group 2.

Core idea of the whole section

Down either group, atomic size increases because a new electron shell is added.
Ionization enthalpy decreases, so losing electrons becomes easier.
Metallic character and chemical reactivity generally increase down the group.
The first element of each group, lithium and beryllium, behaves differently because of its very small size and
high polarizing power.

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17.3.1 Group 1: The Alkali Metals
The Group 1 elements are lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, caesium and francium. They are called alkali
metals because their oxides and hydroxides dissolve in water to give strongly alkaline solutions.
Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Fr
All Group 1 metals have one electron in the outermost shell. They lose this electron easily and form M+ ions.
Because of this common electronic structure, they show many similar chemical properties.

[Link] Occurrence of Alkali Metals

Alkali metals are very reactive, so they are never found free in nature. They occur only as compounds, usually as
salts.
 Sodium occurs mainly as sodium chloride, NaCl, in sea water and rock salt.
 Sodium also occurs as sodium nitrate, NaNO3, called Chile saltpetre.
 Potassium occurs in sea water and as carnallite, KCl.MgCl2.6H2O.
 Lithium, rubidium and caesium occur in rare aluminosilicate minerals.
 Francium is radioactive and exists only in extremely small amounts.

Important ores to remember

Sodium: NaCl and NaNO3
Potassium: carnallite, KCl.MgCl2.6H2O

[Link] Electronic Configuration

Element Atomic number Shell configuration Outer configuration

Lithium, Li 3 2, 1 2s1

Sodium, Na 11 2, 8, 1 3s1

Potassium, K 19 2, 8, 8, 1 4s1

Rubidium, Rb 37 2, 8, 18, 8, 1 5s1

Caesium, Cs 55 2, 8, 18, 18, 8, 1 6s1

The general electronic configuration of alkali metals is ns1. They lose one electron to reach the stable electronic
configuration of the nearest noble gas.
M -> M+ + e-
Therefore, their most common oxidation state is +1.

[Link] Physical Properties and Trends

The properties change regularly from lithium to caesium. The most important task is to understand the reason
for every trend rather than memorizing an isolated order.

Property Order down Group 1 Reason

A new electron shell is added at

Atomic/ionic radius Li < Na < K < Rb < Cs
each step.

The outer electron is farther from

Ionization enthalpy Li > Na > K > Rb > Cs the nucleus and is removed more
easily.

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 Property Order down Group 1 Reason

The attraction for bonding

Electronegativity Li > Na > K > Rb > Cs electrons decreases as size
increases.

The tendency to lose an electron

Metallic character Li < Na < K < Rb < Cs
increases.

Loss of the outer electron

Chemical reactivity Li < Na < K < Rb < Cs
becomes easier.

Larger atoms form weaker metallic

Melting/boiling point Generally decreases
bonds.

LiOH < NaOH < KOH < RbOH < The M-O bond becomes more
Basicity of hydroxides
CsOH ionic down the group.

Other Physical Features

 They are soft metals and can be cut with a knife.
 They have low densities. Potassium is an exception to the smooth density trend and is less dense than
sodium.
 They are good conductors of heat and electricity.
 Freshly cut surfaces are shiny, but they quickly become dull in air because they react with oxygen and
moisture.
Flame Colours
When an alkali-metal salt is heated in a flame, the outer electron absorbs energy and moves to a higher energy
level. When it returns to the lower level, it releases visible light of a characteristic colour.

Metal ion Flame colour

Li+ Crimson red

Na+ Golden yellow

K+ Pale violet / lilac

Rb+ Violet

Cs+ Blue-violet

Most important trend sentence

Down Group 1: size and reactivity increase, while ionization enthalpy and melting point generally decrease.

[Link] Chemical Properties of Alkali Metals

Alkali metals are the most reactive metals in the periodic table. They react easily because only one electron
must be removed to form a stable M+ ion. Reactivity increases from lithium to caesium.

A. Reaction with Oxygen

Different alkali metals form different oxygen compounds. The product depends mainly on the size of the metal
ion.
4Li + O2 -> 2Li2O (normal oxide)
2Na + O2 -> Na2O2 (peroxide)

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 K + O2 -> KO2 (superoxide)
The small Li+ ion stabilizes the small oxide ion O2-. The larger Na+ ion can stabilize the larger peroxide ion
O2^2-. The still larger K+, Rb+ and Cs+ ions stabilize the even larger superoxide ion O2-.

Memory line
Lithium forms oxide, sodium forms peroxide, and potassium/rubidium/caesium form superoxides.

B. Reaction with Water

All alkali metals react with water to form a metal hydroxide and hydrogen gas. The reaction becomes more
vigorous down the group.
2M + 2H2O -> 2MOH + H2
2Na + 2H2O -> 2NaOH + H2
Lithium reacts relatively slowly. Sodium reacts vigorously and may melt into a small ball. Potassium reacts even
more violently and the released hydrogen may catch fire. The increasing vigour is caused by the decreasing
ionization enthalpy.

C. Basic Nature of Oxides and Hydroxides

The oxides and hydroxides of alkali metals are basic. Their basic strength increases down the group.
LiOH < NaOH < KOH < RbOH < CsOH
Lithium oxide and lithium hydroxide are the least basic in the group, while caesium oxide and caesium hydroxide
are the most basic.

D. Reaction with Hydrogen

Alkali metals combine with hydrogen on heating and form ionic hydrides of the type MH.
2M + H2 -> 2MH
2Na + H2 -> 2NaH
These hydrides contain M+ and H- ions and react strongly with water.

E. Reaction with Halogens

Alkali metals react directly with fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine to form ionic halides.
2M + X2 -> 2MX
2Na + Cl2 -> 2NaCl

[Link] Diagonal Relationship Between Lithium and Magnesium

A diagonal relationship is a similarity between the first element of one group and the second element of the
next group. Lithium in Group 1 resembles magnesium in Group 2.
Li <diagonal relationship> Mg
The main reason is that Li+ and Mg2+ have comparable polarizing power. Polarizing power depends on the
charge of the ion and its radius. A small ion with a higher charge can strongly distort the electron cloud of a
negative ion, producing more covalent character.
Polarizing power is proportional to ionic charge / (ionic radius)^2

Important Similarities
1. Lithium and magnesium have similar electronegativity values and comparable hardness.
2. Both form nitrides when heated with nitrogen.
3. Both form carbides when heated with carbon.
4. Both form normal oxides rather than stable superoxides.
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5. Their carbonates decompose on heating to give oxides and carbon dioxide.
6. Their nitrates decompose on heating to form oxides, nitrogen dioxide and oxygen.
7. Their hydroxides decompose on strong heating to form oxides.
8. Several salts, such as carbonates and phosphates, are sparingly soluble in water.
9. Their halides have appreciable covalent character and are more soluble in organic solvents than expected.

Exam-ready reason
Li+ resembles Mg2+ because the two ions have comparable polarizing power and therefore produce
compounds with similar covalent character.

[Link] Anomalous Behaviour of Lithium

Lithium is the first and smallest member of Group 1. It differs from the other alkali metals because of its very
small atomic and ionic size, high ionization enthalpy, high hydration enthalpy and high polarizing power.

Important Anomalous Properties

1. Lithium reacts with water less vigorously than sodium, potassium and the heavier alkali metals.
2. Lithium forms only the normal oxide Li2O in air. It does not readily form a stable peroxide or superoxide.
3. Lithium is the only alkali metal that combines directly with nitrogen to form a nitride.
6Li + N2 -> 2Li3N
4. Lithium carbonate, lithium nitrate and lithium hydroxide decompose on heating, whereas the corresponding
compounds of heavier alkali metals are generally more thermally stable.
Li2CO3 -> Li2O + CO2
4LiNO3 -> 2Li2O + 4NO2 + O2
2LiOH -> Li2O + H2O
5. Some lithium salts such as LiF, Li2CO3 and Li3PO4 are sparingly soluble because their high lattice energy is
not easily overcome by hydration.
6. Lithium halides have more covalent character and show greater solubility in organic solvents.
7. Lithium hydride is more stable than the hydrides of the heavier alkali metals.
8. Lithium does not form a stable solid bicarbonate at ordinary conditions.

Why lithium is anomalous

Small size + high ionization enthalpy + high polarizing power = stronger, more covalent bonds and unusual
thermal and solubility behaviour.

[Link] Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH)

Sodium hydroxide is commonly called caustic soda. It is an important industrial alkali.

Manufacture by the Castner-Kellner Process

A concentrated solution of sodium chloride, called brine, is electrolysed in a cell. Mercury acts as the cathode
and titanium or graphite blocks act as the anode. Sodium formed at the cathode dissolves in mercury and forms
sodium amalgam. The amalgam is then reacted with water in a separate decomposer.
At the anode, chloride ions lose electrons and chlorine gas is liberated:
2Cl- -> Cl2 + 2e-
At the mercury cathode, sodium ions accept electrons and the sodium dissolves in mercury:
Na+ + e- -> Na; Na + Hg -> sodium amalgam
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The sodium amalgam is treated with water:
2Na(Hg) + 2H2O -> 2NaOH + H2 + 2Hg
Mercury is recovered and returned to the electrolytic cell. The overall reaction is:
2NaCl + 2H2O -> 2NaOH + Cl2 + H2

Three products of the process

Sodium hydroxide, chlorine gas and hydrogen gas

Properties and Reactions of NaOH

 It is a white, deliquescent solid. Deliquescent means it absorbs moisture from air and may dissolve in that
moisture.
 It is strongly caustic and can damage skin and tissues.
 It dissolves in water with a large release of heat.
 It is a strong base and is almost completely ionized in water.
NaOH + HCl -> NaCl + H2O
NaOH liberates ammonia from ammonium salts on heating:
NH4Cl + NaOH -> NaCl + NH3 + H2O
It precipitates metal hydroxides from solutions of many metal salts:
CuSO4 + 2NaOH -> Cu(OH)2 + Na2SO4
Amphoteric hydroxides first precipitate and then dissolve in excess NaOH to form complex ions:
Al(OH)3 + OH- -> [Al(OH)4]-
Zn(OH)2 + 2OH- -> [Zn(OH)4]2-

Uses of NaOH
1. Manufacture of soap and detergents.
2. Absorption of carbon dioxide and other acidic gases in laboratories.
3. Many organic reactions, especially hydrolysis reactions.
4. Volumetric analysis and preparation of standard alkaline solutions.
5. Manufacture of paper, textiles and several sodium compounds.
6. Manufacture of sodium formate by reaction with carbon monoxide under pressure.

[Link] Sodium Carbonate (Na2CO3)

Sodium carbonate is an important industrial chemical. The anhydrous compound is often called soda ash. The
crystalline decahydrate, Na2CO3.10H2O, is called washing soda.

Manufacture by the Solvay Process

The raw materials are concentrated sodium chloride solution, limestone, ammonia and water. The process is
economical because ammonia and carbon dioxide are recycled.

Step 1: Formation of Carbon Dioxide

CaCO3 -> CaO + CO2

Step 2: Formation and Precipitation of Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate

Brine is first saturated with ammonia. Carbon dioxide is then passed through the ammoniated brine. Sodium
hydrogen carbonate forms and precipitates because it is only slightly soluble in the concentrated salt solution.
NaCl + NH3 + CO2 + H2O -> NaHCO3(s) + NH4Cl

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Step 3: Conversion into Sodium Carbonate
2NaHCO3 -> Na2CO3 + CO2 + H2O
The carbon dioxide produced here is returned to the carbonation tower.

Step 4: Recovery of Ammonia

CaO + H2O -> Ca(OH)2
2NH4Cl + Ca(OH)2 -> 2NH3 + CaCl2 + 2H2O
The recovered ammonia is reused. The theoretical overall reaction is:
2NaCl + CaCO3 -> Na2CO3 + CaCl2

Why the Solvay process is economical

Sodium chloride and limestone are cheap raw materials.
Ammonia is recovered and reused.
Carbon dioxide is recycled within the process.

Properties and Uses of Sodium Carbonate

 It is soluble in water and its solution is alkaline because the carbonate ion reacts with water to produce OH-
ions.
 It reacts with soluble calcium salts and precipitates calcium carbonate.
CaCl2 + Na2CO3 -> CaCO3(s) + 2NaCl
 On crystallization with water, it forms washing soda, Na2CO3.10H2O.
Uses
1. Manufacture of glass.
2. Softening of hard water by removing Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions as insoluble carbonates.
3. Manufacture of soap, paper and other sodium salts.
4. Laboratory volumetric analysis.
5. Cleaning and washing applications in the form of washing soda.

[Link] Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate (NaHCO3)

Sodium hydrogen carbonate is commonly called sodium bicarbonate or baking soda. It can be prepared by
passing carbon dioxide through a cold, concentrated solution of sodium carbonate.
Na2CO3 + CO2 + H2O -> 2NaHCO3

Important Reactions
On heating, sodium hydrogen carbonate decomposes to sodium carbonate, carbon dioxide and water:
2NaHCO3 -> Na2CO3 + CO2 + H2O
With acids, it gives carbon dioxide gas:
NaHCO3 + HCl -> NaCl + CO2 + H2O

Why It Is Useful
Its solution is less alkaline than a sodium carbonate solution. Therefore, it can precipitate normal metal
carbonates in cases where the stronger alkalinity of Na2CO3 might form basic carbonates.

Common Uses
1. Baking powder: carbon dioxide produced during heating makes cakes and bread rise.
2. Mild antacid: it neutralizes excess stomach acid.
3. Soda-acid fire extinguishers, where carbon dioxide helps put out the fire.
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4. Laboratory and household cleaning because it is a mild alkali.

[Link] Biological Importance of Sodium and Potassium

Sodium and potassium ions are essential for life. Their concentrations are carefully controlled in the body.

Ion Main location Major roles

Osmotic pressure, water balance,

Mainly outside cells (extracellular
Na+ nerve impulses and acid-base
fluid)
balance

Nerve impulses, muscle

Mainly inside cells (intracellular
K+ contraction, enzyme activity and
fluid)
cell function

The unequal distribution of Na+ and K+ across cell membranes is maintained by the sodium-potassium pump.
This difference is necessary for the transmission of nerve signals and normal muscle activity.

Easy memory
Na+ is mainly outside the cell; K+ is mainly inside the cell.

[Link] Stability and Solubility of Group 1 Carbonates and Sulphates

Carbonates
The carbonates of alkali metals are generally soluble in water and thermally stable. Their thermal stability
increases down the group because the larger metal ions have lower polarizing power and distort the carbonate
ion less.
Lithium carbonate is the important exception. It is less soluble and decomposes on heating:
Li2CO3 -> Li2O + CO2
The heavier alkali-metal carbonates normally melt without decomposing under ordinary laboratory heating.

Sulphates
Alkali-metal sulphates are generally soluble in water and stable to heat. Lithium salts may show lower solubility
than the corresponding sodium and potassium salts because of the small size and high polarizing power of Li+.

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17.3.2 Group 2: The Alkaline Earth Metals
The Group 2 elements are beryllium, magnesium, calcium, strontium, barium and radium. They are called alkaline
earth metals because their oxides are alkaline and many of their compounds occur naturally in the earth.
Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Ra
They have two outer electrons and usually lose both to form M2+ ions. They are less reactive than Group 1
metals because removing two electrons requires more energy.

[Link] Occurrence
Alkaline earth metals are reactive and therefore do not occur free in nature. Important minerals are listed below.

Metal Important occurrence / mineral

Beryllium Beryl, Be3Al2(SiO3)6

Magnesium Sea water and carnallite, KCl.MgCl2.6H2O

Calcium Limestone, chalk and marble as CaCO3

Calcium + magnesium Dolomite, CaCO3.MgCO3

Calcium sulphates Gypsum, CaSO4.2H2O; anhydrite, CaSO4

Strontium and barium Mainly carbonates and sulphates

[Link] Electronic Configuration

Element Atomic number Shell configuration Outer configuration

Beryllium, Be 4 2, 2 2s2

Magnesium, Mg 12 2, 8, 2 3s2

Calcium, Ca 20 2, 8, 8, 2 4s2

Strontium, Sr 38 2, 8, 18, 8, 2 5s2

Barium, Ba 56 2, 8, 18, 18, 8, 2 6s2

The general outer electronic configuration is ns2. These metals lose two electrons and form M2+ ions:
M -> M2+ + 2e-
Their common oxidation state is therefore +2.

[Link] Physical Properties and Trends

Property Order / trend down Group 2 Reason

Atomic/ionic radius Be < Mg < Ca < Sr < Ba A new electron shell is added.

The valence electrons are farther

Ionization enthalpy Be > Mg > Ca > Sr > Ba
from the nucleus.

Attraction for bonding electrons

Electronegativity Be > Mg > Ca > Sr > Ba
decreases.

The tendency to lose electrons

Metallic character Be < Mg < Ca < Sr < Ba
increases.

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 Property Order / trend down Group 2 Reason

Formation of M2+ becomes easier

Reactivity Be < Mg < Ca < Sr < Ba
down the group.

Higher than Group 1; no smooth Stronger metallic bonding, but

Melting/boiling point
trend crystal packing varies.

Ionic character increases down the

Basicity of oxides BeO < MgO < CaO < SrO < BaO
group.

An alkaline earth metal is smaller than the Group 1 metal in the same period because its nucleus has one extra
proton, which attracts the electrons more strongly.

Flame Colours
Beryllium and magnesium do not give a characteristic flame colour because their electrons are held too strongly.
Calcium, strontium and barium give coloured flames.

Metal ion Flame colour

Ca2+ Brick red

Sr2+ Crimson red

Ba2+ Apple green / sea green

[Link] Chemical Properties of Alkaline Earth Metals

Group 2 metals are reactive, but they are generally less reactive than Group 1 metals. Their reactivity increases
down the group.

A. Reaction with Oxygen

Beryllium, magnesium and calcium mainly form normal oxides of the type MO. The larger metals, especially
strontium and barium, form peroxides more easily in excess oxygen.
2Mg + O2 -> 2MgO
2Ca + O2 -> 2CaO
Ba + O2 -> BaO2 (in excess oxygen)
The basic nature increases from BeO to BaO. BeO is amphoteric, MgO is weakly basic, and CaO, SrO and BaO
are increasingly strongly basic.

B. Reaction with Hydrogen

Group 2 metals combine with hydrogen to form hydrides of the general formula MH2.
M + H2 -> MH2
Ca + H2 -> CaH2

C. Reaction with Water

 Beryllium does not react with water or steam because a strong protective oxide layer covers its surface.
 Magnesium reacts very slowly with cold water, more readily with hot water, and with steam to form
magnesium oxide and hydrogen.
Mg + H2O(g) -> MgO + H2
 Calcium, strontium and barium react with cold water. The vigour increases down the group.
Ca + 2H2O -> Ca(OH)2 + H2

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D. Reaction with Halogens
All Group 2 metals combine with halogens to form dihalides, MX2.
M + X2 -> MX2
Mg + Cl2 -> MgCl2

E. Carbonates: Solubility and Thermal Stability

Group 2 carbonates are sparingly soluble in water. On strong heating, they decompose to the metal oxide and
carbon dioxide.
MCO3 -> MO + CO2
Their thermal stability increases down the group:
BeCO3 < MgCO3 < CaCO3 < SrCO3 < BaCO3
The small Be2+ ion strongly polarizes the carbonate ion and weakens it, so BeCO3 decomposes most easily.
Larger ions have lower polarizing power, so their carbonates are more stable.

F. Sulphates: Solubility and Thermal Stability

The solubility of Group 2 sulphates decreases down the group:
BeSO4 > MgSO4 > CaSO4 > SrSO4 > BaSO4
BeSO4 and MgSO4 are readily soluble because the hydration energy of the small ions is high. BaSO4 is almost
insoluble because its hydration energy is too low to overcome its lattice energy.
On strong heating, sulphates can decompose to the oxide and sulphur trioxide:
MSO4 -> MO + SO3
Their thermal stability generally increases down the group.

G. Complex Formation
Small, highly charged Group 2 ions can form complexes. Beryllium forms complexes such as [BeF4]2-, and
magnesium is the central metal ion in chlorophyll.

[Link] Anomalous Nature of Beryllium and Its Diagonal Relationship with Aluminium
Beryllium differs strongly from the other Group 2 elements because Be and Be2+ are extremely small. Beryllium
has high ionization enthalpy, high electronegativity and very high polarizing power. As a result, its compounds
have much more covalent character.

Anomalous Properties of Beryllium

1. Beryllium is much harder and has a much higher melting point than the other Group 2 metals.
2. It does not react with water because of a protective BeO layer.
3. Its compounds, especially halides, are mainly covalent rather than strongly ionic.
4. BeO and Be(OH)2 are amphoteric: they react with both acids and bases.
5. It readily forms complex ions such as [BeF4]2- and [Be(OH)4]2-.
6. Its soluble salts are strongly hydrolysed in water and their solutions are acidic.
7. It does not give a flame colour because its electrons are held very strongly.
Be(OH)2 + 2OH- -> [Be(OH)4]2-

Diagonal Relationship Between Be and Al

Beryllium shows a diagonal resemblance to aluminium. The two elements have comparable charge density and
polarizing power.
Be <diagonal relationship> Al

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Important Similarities
1. BeO and Al2O3 are amphoteric oxides.
2. Be(OH)2 and Al(OH)3 dissolve in both acids and strong alkalis.
3. Their chlorides are largely covalent and are hydrolysed by water.
4. Both metals are protected by thin oxide films and may become passive in concentrated nitric acid.
5. Both form complex fluoro ions: [BeF4]2- and [AlF6]3-.
6. Their carbides react with water to form methane.

Exam-ready reason
Beryllium resembles aluminium because their ions have comparable polarizing power, so many of their
compounds show similar covalent and amphoteric behaviour.

[Link] Calcium Oxide (CaO)

Calcium oxide is commonly called quicklime. It is manufactured by strongly heating limestone in a lime kiln. This
process is called calcination.
CaCO3 --heat--> CaO + CO2

Important Properties
 CaO is a white, basic solid.
 It reacts vigorously and exothermically with water to form calcium hydroxide, called slaked lime.
CaO + H2O -> Ca(OH)2 + heat
 It reacts with carbon dioxide and reforms calcium carbonate.
Ca(OH)2 + CO2 -> CaCO3 + H2O
 As a basic oxide, it reacts with acids to form a salt and water.
CaO + 2HCl -> CaCl2 + H2O

Uses of Quicklime and Lime

1. Steel making: removal of silica and phosphate impurities as slag.
2. Manufacture of cement by mixing lime with silica and alumina-containing materials.
3. Manufacture of glass.
4. Softening of hard water.
5. Preparation of calcium carbide, CaC2.
6. Preparation of slaked lime, Ca(OH)2, for mortar, whitewashing and many chemical processes.

[Link] Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3)

Calcium carbonate occurs naturally as limestone, chalk and marble. It has two important crystalline forms:
calcite and aragonite.

Form Main point

More stable form; each Ca2+ is surrounded by six

Calcite
oxygen atoms.

Metastable form; each Ca2+ is surrounded by nine

Aragonite
oxygen atoms.

Aragonite would normally change into calcite because calcite is more stable, but the conversion is slow because
a high activation energy must be overcome.

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Important Reactions
On strong heating:
CaCO3 -> CaO + CO2
With dilute hydrochloric acid:
CaCO3 + 2HCl -> CaCl2 + CO2 + H2O

Uses
1. Building material in the form of limestone and marble.
2. Manufacture of lime and cement.
3. Chalk and fillers in paper, paint and plastics.
4. Neutralization of acidic soils and industrial acids.
5. A calcium source in some medicinal and nutritional preparations.

[Link] Biological Roles of Mg2+ and Ca2+

Ion Important biological roles

Central ion of chlorophyll; activates many enzymes;

Mg2+
supports normal nerve and muscle function.

Bones and teeth; blood clotting; nerve transmission;

Ca2+
muscle contraction; regular heartbeat.

Magnesium ions are concentrated mainly inside cells. Calcium ions are present largely in body fluids outside
cells and are also stored in bones and teeth.
Bones contain calcium phosphate-like mineral material. Tooth enamel contains a harder fluoride-containing
calcium phosphate called fluoroapatite.

Easy memory
Mg2+ is linked with chlorophyll and enzymes. Ca2+ is linked with bones, teeth, blood clotting and heartbeat.

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Group 1 and Group 2: Direct Comparison
Property Group 1 Group 2

Valence configuration ns1 ns2

Common oxidation state +1 +2

Ion formed M+ M2+

Atomic size in same period Larger Smaller

Ionization enthalpy Lower Higher

Reactivity More reactive Less reactive

Hardness Very soft Harder

Melting point Generally lower Generally higher

Hydride formula MH MH2

Halide formula MX MX2

Hydroxide formula MOH M(OH)2

Strong but generally less than

Reducing nature Very strong
Group 1

Master Trend Map

Down Group 1 and Group 2
Atomic and ionic radii increase.
Ionization enthalpy and electronegativity decrease.
Metallic character and reactivity increase.
Basic nature of oxides and hydroxides increases.
Thermal stability of Group 2 carbonates and sulphates increases.
Solubility of Group 2 sulphates decreases.

Master Reaction List

1. 4Li + O2 -> 2Li2O
2. 2Na + O2 -> Na2O2
3. K + O2 -> KO2
4. 2M + 2H2O -> 2MOH + H2
5. 2M + H2 -> 2MH
6. 2M + X2 -> 2MX
7. 6Li + N2 -> 2Li3N
8. Li2CO3 -> Li2O + CO2
9. 2NaCl + 2H2O -> 2NaOH + Cl2 + H2
10. NaCl + NH3 + CO2 + H2O -> NaHCO3 + NH4Cl
11. 2NaHCO3 -> Na2CO3 + CO2 + H2O

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12. Na2CO3 + CO2 + H2O -> 2NaHCO3
13. 2Mg + O2 -> 2MgO
14. M + H2 -> MH2
15. Ca + 2H2O -> Ca(OH)2 + H2
16. M + X2 -> MX2
17. MCO3 -> MO + CO2
18. MSO4 -> MO + SO3
19. CaCO3 -> CaO + CO2
20. CaO + H2O -> Ca(OH)2
21. Ca(OH)2 + CO2 -> CaCO3 + H2O

One-Page Final Revision

Group 1
Members: Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Fr; configuration ns1; oxidation state +1.
Down the group: size and reactivity increase; ionization enthalpy and melting point decrease.
Oxygen products: Li2O, Na2O2, KO2/RbO2/CsO2.
Li is anomalous and resembles Mg.
NaOH: Castner-Kellner process. Na2CO3: Solvay process. NaHCO3 gives CO2 on heating.

Group 2
Members: Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Ra; configuration ns2; oxidation state +2.
Down the group: size, reactivity and basicity increase; ionization enthalpy decreases.
BeO is amphoteric; MgO is weakly basic; CaO to BaO are increasingly basic.
Carbonate thermal stability increases down the group.
Sulphate solubility decreases: BeSO4 > MgSO4 > CaSO4 > SrSO4 > BaSO4.
Be is anomalous and resembles Al. Mg is in chlorophyll; Ca is essential for bones, blood clotting and
heartbeat.

Important Exam Questions

1. Why are Group 1 elements called alkali metals?
2. Write the general electronic configurations of Group 1 and Group 2 elements.
3. Explain the trends in atomic radius, ionization enthalpy and reactivity of alkali metals.
4. Why do lithium, sodium and potassium form oxide, peroxide and superoxide respectively?
5. Write equations for the reactions of sodium with water, hydrogen and chlorine.
6. Explain the diagonal relationship between lithium and magnesium.
7. Give four reasons or examples showing the anomalous behaviour of lithium.
8. Explain the manufacture of NaOH by the Castner-Kellner process with equations.
9. Explain the manufacture of Na2CO3 by the Solvay process with equations.
10. What happens when NaHCO3 is heated?
11. State the biological importance of Na+ and K+.
12. Compare alkali metals and alkaline earth metals with respect to size, ionization enthalpy, melting point and
reducing nature.
13. Explain the trends in solubility and thermal stability of Group 2 carbonates and sulphates.
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14. Why do Be and Mg not show characteristic flame colours?
15. Explain the anomalous behaviour of beryllium.
16. Explain the diagonal relationship between beryllium and aluminium.
17. Describe the manufacture and important reactions of calcium oxide.
18. Name important natural forms of calcium carbonate.
19. State the biological roles of Mg2+ and Ca2+.
20. Arrange the following in the required order: Group 1 ionization enthalpy; Group 2 reactivity; Group 2
carbonate stability; Group 2 sulphate solubility.

Quick Answer Orders

Group 1 ionization enthalpy: Cs < Rb < K < Na < Li
Group 2 reactivity: Be < Mg < Ca < Sr < Ba
Group 2 carbonate stability: BeCO3 < MgCO3 < CaCO3 < SrCO3 < BaCO3
Group 2 sulphate solubility: BaSO4 < SrSO4 < CaSO4 < MgSO4 < BeSO4

Study advice for the exam

First learn the trend tables and the master reaction list.
Then practise writing the Castner-Kellner and Solvay process equations without looking.
Finally revise lithium-magnesium and beryllium-aluminium relationships because they are common theory
questions.

NIOS Chemistry - Lesson 17 | Part 3: s-Block Elements

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