Alkaline Earth Metals

The most abundant metal in the human body is _____.

calcium

Explain why the reactivity of alkaline Earth metals increases from the top to the bottom of the periodic table.

That's because the atoms get bigger from the top to the bottom, so the valence electrons are farther from the nucleus. When valence electrons are farther from the nucleus, they are attracted less strongly by the nucleus and more easily removed from the atom

All of the following are alkaline Earth metals except a) barium. b) sodium. c) calcium. d) magnesium.

b

Diets that are too low in calcium may lead to a) rickets. b) osteoporosis. c) bone fractures. d) all of the above

d

Properties of alkaline Earth metals include a) gray or silver color. b) low density. c) softness. d) all of the above

d

True or false: All alkaline Earth metals have three valence electrons.

false, 2

True or false: Alkaline Earth metals are the most reactive metals.

false, alkali metals

Describe the alkaline Earth metal strontium, and list ways that it is used.

have a variety of uses—from fireworks to cement to toothpaste

True or false: Alkaline Earth metals never exist as pure substances in nature.

true

Alkaline Earth metals are in group _____ of the periodic table.

two