# Group 2 metals include magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), strontium (Sr) and barium (Ba). These metals react with water and with oxygen. Using your knowledge of the reactivity series and the properties of Group 2 metals, explain how the reactions of Group 2 metals with water change as you move down the group, and describe what is observed when magnesium is burned in oxygen.

> Edexcel A-Level Chemistry (9CH0) — 4.1 Group 2 metals · Explain · 5 marks

> Group 2 metals are found in the second column of the periodic table. They all form 2+ cations when they react.

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Reactivity increases as you go down Group 2
2. Metals lower in Group 2 react more vigorously / faster with water
3. Magnesium (and other Group 2 metals) lose electrons to form 2+ cations when reacting
4. When magnesium is burned in oxygen, a white solid (magnesium oxide) is produced
5. The burning of magnesium in oxygen is an oxidation reaction because magnesium gains oxygen

## Key terms

- [reactivity series](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/reactivity-series)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Edexcel A-Level Chemistry (9CH0)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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