Alkaline Earth Metals (Group 2) are described as

Alkaline Earth Metals (Group 2) are described as

• A. More reactive than alkali metals
• B. Inert and unreactive
• C. Highly conductive and liquid at room temperature
• D. Less reactive than alkali metals but will burn in air if heated

Answer: (D)

Alkaline earth metals are reactive metals that lose two electrons to form +2 ions, so they’re not inert. They’re less reactive than alkali metals, which only lose one electron, but they still react with water and with oxygen under the right conditions. They’re solid and conduct electricity well (not liquids at room temperature). The statement that best describes them is that they are less reactive than alkali metals but will burn in air if heated. This captures both their reduced reactivity relative to group 1 and their ability to combust when heated in the presence of oxygen, as seen with metals like magnesium and calcium forming oxides. The other options describe them as inert, or highlight properties (being liquid and highly conductive) that don’t fit the group, or claim they’re more reactive than alkali metals, which isn’t correct.

Alkaline earth metals are reactive metals that lose two electrons to form +2 ions, so they’re not inert. They’re less reactive than alkali metals, which only lose one electron, but they still react with water and with oxygen under the right conditions. They’re solid and conduct electricity well (not liquids at room temperature). The statement that best describes them is that they are less reactive than alkali metals but will burn in air if heated. This captures both their reduced reactivity relative to group 1 and their ability to combust when heated in the presence of oxygen, as seen with metals like magnesium and calcium forming oxides. The other options describe them as inert, or highlight properties (being liquid and highly conductive) that don’t fit the group, or claim they’re more reactive than alkali metals, which isn’t correct.