Question

Q. What is the meaning of kinetically inert in chemistry ?

Answer 1

Kinetically inert means that the activation energy required for product formation is very high. Be and Mg have very less reduction potential E0 compared to other members of the same group. This indicates that they are less electropositive, hence do not reacts with cold water.

By providing extra energy, they can reacts with water. Like, Be probably reacts with steam. Mg with hot water reacts rapidly.