Uses of Alkaline Earth Metals

A periodic table of elements, consisting of all chemical elements in a tabular display, is an essential part of chemistry. The alkaline earth metals do not occur in a free state as they are highly reactive, and it has low electronegativity and electron affinity. These are highly reactive as they tend to lose electrons from the s-orbitals and have low ionisation energy. The uses of alkaline earth metals include manufacturing alloys, producing X-ray tubes, manufacturing toothpaste, plaster of Paris, and many other industrial purposes. The use of alkaline earth metals and their importance is observed in natural biological processes. 

Electronic Configuration and Properties of Alkaline Earth Metals

The alkaline earth metals consist of two electrons located in their valence shell preceded by the noble gas configuration. Hence in layman’s terms, the configuration concerning the noble gas is represented as (Noble gas) ns2, where n is the valence shell. 

Here are some of the properties of alkaline earth metals:

• The metals are shiny and semi-soft and are insoluble in water. 
• When the alkaline earth metals are combined with oxides, it helps form a wide range of minerals on Earth. Alkaline earth metals in their mineral form are used in medicine, manufacturing consumer goods, and across many industries.  
• It is highly reactive due to a +2 oxidation state and consists of two electrons in the outer shell.
• The alkaline earth metals have a high melting point, low density, low electron affinity, and easily react with water and halogens. 
• It is a good conductor of electricity. 

Use of Alkaline Earth Metals

There are a total of 6 elements that fall under the category of alkaline earth metals, and each has its use across various domains. The uses and characteristics of these alkaline earth metals are mentioned below.

Beryllium 

• The atomic number of beryllium is 4.
• The alkaline earth metal beryllium is used in the production of high strength springs using the Cu – Be alloy. 
• It is used in the manufacturing of X-ray tubes manufacturing computer parts and is a source of neutrons when it is bombarded with alpha particles. 

Magnesium

• It is an important mineral used in the proper functioning of various body functions like the development of muscle, nerve function, and blood circulation.
• The alkaline earth metal magnesium is used as a reducing agent in preparing boron and silicon from their oxides. 
• It is used in metallurgy as a deoxidiser. Magnesium in alkyl magnesium halides is used to synthesise a range of organic compounds. 
• Magnesium is an important element that forms a part of chlorophyll and hence helps in the production of carbohydrates in sunlight. 

Calcium

• Calcium is a major component of teeth, exoskeletons, bones, shells, etc. It acts as a hardening component.
• Calcium in the form of oxides is used as a powerful reducing agent and helps with metal extraction. 
• As calcium has a high affinity for oxygen and nitrogen, it helps remove air traces from vacuum tubes. It even helps with the removal of water traces from alcohol. 

Strontium

• The use of alkaline earth metal is in producing magnets and zinc. It is used for commercial purposes in the production of alloys.  
• Strontium reacts with oxygen and another form of oxides like nitrate, carbonate, sulphate, chlorate etc. and produces salts. It is used in the production of fireworks. 

Barium

•  Barium sulphate helps X-rays in detecting digestive tract problems. 
• Barium nitrate and barium chlorate are used in fireworks. It is used in the production of paint pigments. 

Radium

• Radium has radioactivity properties that make it different from all other elements. It is used across various medical therapies. It is used in the manufacturing of glow in the dark products. 
• It is used to treat many types of cancers. 

General Characteristics of Alkaline Earth Metals

• As the alkaline earth metal has a high nuclear charge, the nucleus strongly attracts the electrons. Hence, as the corresponding alkali metals move down the group, the atomic and ionic radii increase. 
• It has a higher melting and boiling point. 
• The ionisation energy of the alkali earth metals has low ionisation energies due to the large size of the atoms. The lower ionisation energies have a strong electropositive charge, and it increases down the group from beryllium to barium. 
• All the alkaline earth metals produce distinctive colours when subjected to flame except for beryllium and magnesium. 
• It has a higher density than the alkali metals due to its closed packing based on its smaller size and strong metallic bonds. 

Conclusion

We have now understood the different properties of alkaline earth metals and how the elements are used across various products and industries. The alkaline earth metals JEE notes have comprehensive information about the periodic table elements. The elements are used in their oxide form or a combination of other molecules to produce crucial minerals.