Explain the important common features of Group 2 elements

Explanation

Group 2 elements are known as alkaline earth metals. It includes beryllium, magnesium, calcium trontium, barium, and radium. They exist in +2 oxidation states.
The general outer electronic configuration of alkaline earth metal is `ns^2`
Physical Characteristics :
They are silvery, white, and hard metals. They are softer but harder than alkali metals
Their melting and boiling points are higher compared to alkali metals
They are strongly electropositive in nature. Alkaline earth metals give different color with flame test.
Chemical properties:
All alkaline earth metals fonns monoxide except beryllium.
They have high electrical and thermal conductivities as they have metallic bonding.
The oxides of alkaline earth metals are basic but less basic than alkali metals.
Hydroxides of alkaline earth metals are basic in nature except beryllium hydroxide.
Group 2 metals form solid carbonates.
Alkaline earth metals also form sulphates such as `BeSO_4` and `MgSO_4`
Group 2 elements form hydrated, crystallized nitrates.
Alkaline earth metals forms halides after reacting with halogens.