3.2.2
Group 2
Section 3.2.2 covers the trends in atomic radius, first ionisation energy and melting point from magnesium to barium, the reactions with water, magnesium in the extraction of titanium, the solubilities of the hydroxides and sulfates, the uses of magnesium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, calcium oxide and calcium carbonate, and the acidified barium chloride test for sulfate ions. Group 1 is kept on the pages for comparison; the thermal stability and full tests pages are revision support for required practical 4.
Revision Notes
6 revision notes, in the order the specification teaches them.
Trends Down Groups 1 and 2
The trends down Group 2: atomic radius, ionisation energies, melting points and the increase in reactivity down the group.
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Reactions of the Group 1 and 2 Elements
The reactions of the Group 2 elements with oxygen, chlorine, water, steam and dilute acids, with equations, observations and redox analysis.
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Oxides, Hydroxides and Carbonates
Group 2 oxides, hydroxides and carbonates: reactions with water and acids, pH trend, and uses of Ca(OH)₂, Mg(OH)₂ and CaCO₃.
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Solubility Trends and the Sulfate Test
Group 2 solubility trends: hydroxides and sulfates, Mg(OH)₂ and BaSO₄, the acidified barium chloride test for sulfate ions and barium meals.
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Thermal Stability and Flame Colours
Thermal stability of Group 1 and 2 nitrates and carbonates, polarisation by the cation, the experiments, and flame colours explained by electron transitions.
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Tests for Ions
Tests for carbonate, hydrogencarbonate, sulfate, halide and ammonium ions, with ionic equations and the order of tests on an unknown.
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Summary map
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Group 2 Map
AQA A-level Chemistry · 3.2.2 Group 2, the alkaline earth metals
The whole section on one A4 page: trends down the group, reactions with water, extracting titanium, hydroxides and their uses, cleaning flue gases, and sulfates with the barium chloride test.
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3.2.2
- ii
explain the trend in melting point of the elements Mg-Ba in terms of their structure and bonding
Revise - vii
know the use of CaO or CaCO3 to remove SO2 from flue gases
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