What is the Difference Between Alkali Metals and Alkaline Earth Metals?

The main difference between alkali metals and alkaline earth metals lies in their electronic configuration, group position, valence electrons, and properties. Here are the key differences:

1. Electronic Configuration: Alkali metals have the electronic configuration of [Noble gas] ns¹, while alkaline earth metals have the electronic configuration of [Noble gas] ns². This difference in electronic configuration results in different valencies for both groups.
2. Group Position: Alkali metals belong to group 1 of the periodic table, while alkaline earth metals belong to group 2. Both groups form the s-block of the periodic table.
3. Valence Electrons: Alkali metals have one valence electron, whereas alkaline earth metals have two valence electrons.
4. Ionic Charge: Alkali metals have a +1 ionic charge in their compounds, while alkaline earth metals have a +2 ionic charge in their compounds.
5. Melting Points: Alkali metals have low melting points, while alkaline earth metals have higher melting points.
6. Hardness: Alkaline earth metals are harder than alkali metals.
7. Reactivity: Both groups of metals are highly reactive, but the heavier the alkaline earth metal, the more reactive it becomes.
8. Solubility of Carbonates: Alkali earth carbonates decompose to form oxides under high temperature conditions, while alkali earth carbonates exist in the solid form at room temperature.

Examples of alkali metals include lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, cesium, and francium. Examples of alkaline earth metals include beryllium, magnesium, calcium, strontium, barium, and radium.

Comparative Table: Alkali Metals vs Alkaline Earth Metals

Here is a table comparing the differences between alkali metals and alkaline earth metals:

Alkali metals are found in group 1 of the periodic table and have a +1 charge, while alkaline earth metals are found in group 2 and have a +2 charge. Alkali metals are highly reactive and have a smaller atom size compared to alkaline earth metals. They both react with hydrogen, oxygen, and halogens, but alkaline earth metals also react with water.