# Beryllium, magnesium and calcium are all elements in Group 2 of the periodic table. Explain why the reactivity of these elements increases going down the group.

> AQA A-Level Chemistry (7405) — 3.2.2 Group 2, the alkaline earth metals · Explain · 5 marks

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Going down the group, the atoms have more electron shells / the atomic radius increases
2. The outer electron is further from the nucleus going down the group
3. There is more shielding / inner shells shield the outer electron from the nucleus
4. The electrostatic attraction between the nucleus and the outer electron decreases going down the group
5. The outer electron is lost more easily, so the element reacts more readily / forms ions more easily going down the group

## Key terms

- [Group 2](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/group-2)
- [reactivity](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/reactivity)

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA A-Level Chemistry (7405)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/beryllium-magnesium-and-calcium-are-all-56b1f324) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.