Alkaline Earth Metals, series of six chemical elements in group 2 (or IIa) of the periodic table (see Periodic Law). They are strong reducing agents, that is, they give up electrons easily. They are less reactive than the alkali metals, but reactive enough not to be found free in nature. Although rather brittle, the alkaline earth metals are malleable and extrudable. They conduct electricity well, and when heated, burn readily in air. The alkaline earth metals are, in order of increasing atomic number, beryllium, magnesium, calcium, strontium, barium, and radium. Their oxides are called alkaline earths.
Matter is composed of atoms or groups of atoms called molecules. The arrangement of particles in a material depends on the physical state of the substance. In a solid, particles form a compact structure that resists flow. Particles in a liquid have more energy than those in a solid. They can flow past one another, but they remain close. Particles in a gas have the most energy. They move rapidly and are separated from one another by relatively large distances.
Popular Posts
-
. Many similarities exist between electric and magnetic phenomena. A magnet has two opposite poles, referred to as north and south. Opposit... -
. The relationship between current, voltage, and resistance is given by Ohm’s law. This law states that the amount of current passing throu...
-
Quantum Theory, in physics, description of the particles that make up matter and how they interact with each other and with energy. Quantum ...
-
. Periodic Table, table of the chemical elements arranged to illustrate patterns of recurring chemical and physical properties. Elements, su... -
Electromagnetic Radiation is the energy waves produced by the oscillation or acceleration of an electric charge. Electromagnetic waves have ...