Question

The metals of group 2 from top to bottom are Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba. Which of these metals will form ions most readily and why?

Answer 1

In group 2, out of Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Barium (Ba) would most readily form ions. This is because, as we go down the group, the atomic size increases. The distance between the valence electron and nucleus increases. As a result, the outermost valence electrons face the much lesser force of attraction from the nucleus than the other electrons which are closer to the nucleus. Hence the Ba will release the valence electron (due to high ionisation potential) more easily and readily than Mg, Be, Ca, Sr and form ions.Hence, due to its large atomic size and less nuclear force of attraction, Ba will form ions most readily.