Alkaline Earth Metal

Any element of the periodic table which is in group 2. In order of proton number, Beryllium, Magnesium, Calcium, Strontium, Barium and Radium are all Alkaline Earth Metals. They are characterized by all having 2 outer-shell electrons (two electrons in their valence shell), alas their placing in group 2 of the periodic table. They are all silver coloured, soft metals which react readily to form ionic compounds. The name 'Alkaline Earth Metals' is derived from the fact that the oxides formed by the elements in this group produce basic Alkaline solutions, and the melting points are such that the elements remain solid (Earths) in fires. Alkaline Earth refers to the oxides themselves. x + 2H2O --> x(OH)2 + H2 2x + O2 --> 2xO 2xO + 2H2O --> 2x(OH)2 Where x is an Alkaline Earth Metal. Both processes are relatively efficient unless you consider Hydrogen, which is produced in the first, to be a waste product. The second process only produces the hydroxide.