Provide an example of the reactivity and basicity of the alkaline earth metals.

The alkaline earth metals are reactive and basic.

Alkaline earth metals are highly reactive due to their low ionization energy and tendency to lose two electrons to form a stable 2+ cation. This makes them highly reactive with water, oxygen, and halogens. For example, when magnesium is added to water, it reacts vigorously to produce magnesium hydroxide and hydrogen gas. Similarly, when calcium is exposed to air, it reacts with oxygen to form calcium oxide.

In addition to their reactivity, alkaline earth metals are also basic. This is because they have a low electronegativity and a large atomic radius, which makes it easy for them to lose electrons and form cations. When these cations react with water, they produce hydroxide ions, which makes the solution basic. For example, when calcium oxide is added to water, it reacts to produce calcium hydroxide, which is a strong base.

The basicity of alkaline earth metals makes them useful in a variety of applications. For example, calcium hydroxide is used in agriculture to neutralize acidic soils and in water treatment to remove impurities. Magnesium hydroxide is used as an antacid to neutralize stomach acid, and as a flame retardant in plastics and textiles.

In conclusion, the alkaline earth metals are highly reactive and basic, which makes them useful in a variety of applications. Their reactivity and basicity are due to their low ionization energy and tendency to lose electrons to form cations.