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The Periodic Table

Reactions of Group 2 elements with oxygen, water and steam

  • 3 things to know
  • Components 1 and 2

Overview

Observed when a strip of magnesium ribbon burns in air, observed when calcium is dropped into cold water and observed when magnesium is heated in a stream of steam.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

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Key term

Write a general equation for a Group 2 metal burning in oxygen.

Key term

Write the equation, with state symbols, for magnesium burning in oxygen.

Key term

Why is the reaction of a Group 2 metal with oxygen a redox reaction?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    Write a general equation for a Group 2 metal burning in oxygen.

    Model answer

    The general equation is 2M + O₂ → 2MO, forming a white ionic oxide.

  2. 2

    Write the equation, with state symbols, for magnesium burning in oxygen.

    Model answer

    The equation is 2Mg(s) + O₂(g) → 2MgO(s).

  3. 3

    What is observed when a strip of magnesium ribbon burns in air?

    Model answer

    It burns with an intensely bright white flame and leaves a white powdery ash of magnesium oxide.

  4. 4

    Why is the reaction of a Group 2 metal with oxygen a redox reaction?

    Model answer

    Each metal atom loses two electrons to become M²⁺ while each oxygen atom gains two electrons to become O²⁻.

  5. 5

    How does the vigour of the reaction with oxygen change down Group 2, and why?

    Model answer

    It becomes more vigorous, because the first and second ionisation energies fall down the group so the two outer electrons are lost more readily.

  6. 6

    Write the equation for calcium reacting with cold water.

    Model answer

    The equation is Ca(s) + 2H₂O(l) → Ca(OH)₂(aq) + H₂(g).

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