The hydroxides of alkaline earth metals are less basic than alkali metals of the corresponding periods. Why?

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Solution

Dear Student, The oxides of alkali metals are very basic in nature. This happens due to the highly electropositive nature of alkali metals, which makes these oxides highly ionic. Hence, they readily dissociate in water to give hydroxide ions. The oxides of alkaline earth metals are quite basic but not as basic as those of alkali metals. This is because alkaline earth metals are less electropositive than alkali metals.Regards

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