Chemistry / Unit 12 Chem 2293 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Alkaline Earth Metals Are Less Reactive Than Alkali Metals
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The idea
Group 2 metals are less reactive than group 1 metals in the same period because higher nuclear charge raises ionization energy and shrinks radius.
In practice
Magnesium reacts with water far more slowly than sodium, its group 1 neighbor.
Where people slip
Less reactive does not mean unreactive — heavier alkaline earth metals still react vigorously enough to need careful handling.
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