Answer: Group 2 metals are harder and have higher melting points.
- A Group 2 metals are larger in atomic size
- B Group 2 metals are more electropositive
- C Group 2 metals have much lower ionisation enthalpies
- D Group 2 metals are harder and have higher melting points
Correct answer: D. Group 2 metals are harder and have higher melting points
Explanation: With two bonding electrons and smaller size, Group 2 metals have stronger metallic bonding, so they are harder and melt higher than the corresponding alkali metals.
Each s-block metal ion emits a characteristic flame colour because heating excites electrons to higher energy levels; light is emitted as they fall back, with the colour determined by the specific energy gap.
Concept context
Group 1 (alkali metals) and Group 2 (alkaline earth metals). Learn their reactions with water and air, important compounds like NaOH, Na₂CO₃, and CaCO₃, and anomalous behaviour of lithium and beryllium.