Alkaline earth metals show:-

Options

A. Divalency
B. Monovalency
C. Variable valency
D. Zero valency

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Identify the Group of Alkaline Earth Metals:**
- Alkaline earth metals belong to Group 2 of the periodic table.

2. **Understand the Electronic Configuration:**
- The general electronic configuration of alkaline earth metals is \( ns^2 \), where \( n \) represents the principal quantum number (the energy level).

3. **Determine the Valency:**
- Since alkaline earth metals have 2 electrons in their outermost shell (the s-orbital), they tend to lose these 2 electrons to achieve a stable electronic configuration (similar to noble gases).
- By losing 2 electrons, they form cations with a +2 charge.

4. **Conclusion:**
- Therefore, alkaline earth metals exhibit divalency, meaning they can form bonds by losing 2 electrons.

5. **Final Answer:**
- The correct answer is that alkaline earth metals show divalency.

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