Which properties are characteristic of group 2 elements at stp

At standard temperature and pressure, these elements have very similar properties; they are all shiny, silvery-white, semi-reactive metals that have industrial and biological applications. The Alkaline Earth Metals are elements of group 2 of the periodic table, which includes beryllium, magnesium, calcium, strontium, barium, and radium. Moreover, group 2 elements are nonmetallic substances that are insoluble in water and heat resistant in nature.

Elements found in Group 2 of the periodic table are known as the alkaline earth metals. These metals are known as soft metals, and are slightly less metallic than the neighbouring Group 1 metals. The heavier atoms in Group 2 are almost as reactive as those in Group 1. A characteristic trait of the Group 2 elements is the presence of 2 valence electrons in their outer s-shell. Therefore, all Group 2 metals will have an oxidation state of + 2. These metals can easily lose their valence electrons which increases the stability of the metals and increases their ability to form ionic bonds. At STP, these metals are generally very reactive to hydrogen, forming metal hydrides. They also react with oxygen to give metal oxides, halogens to give metal halides and water to give metal hydroxides.