Group II elements are called alkaline earth metals and, compared with group I, they are
- A. less reactive, with higher melting points and harder solids
- B. more reactive in every case
- C. non metallic in character
- D. monovalent in their compounds
Explanation
Group II atoms are smaller and must lose two electrons rather than one, so more energy is needed and they are less reactive than their group I neighbours. Having two delocalised electrons per atom also gives stronger metallic bonding, hence higher melting points and greater hardness. They are divalent, forming ions with a charge of plus 2.