Answer the question :
The metals of Group 2 from top to bottom are Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, and Ba.
(1) Which one of these elements will form ions most readily and why ?
(2) State the common feature in the electronic configuration of all these elements.

Explanation

(1) Barium (Ba) will form ions most readily because its ionisation potential is lowest in the group. Hence, the removal of electrons is easy.
(2) All these elements have two electrons in their valence or outer most shell.