alkioryhmäksi

Alkioryhmäksi is a Finnish term that translates to "alkali group" or "alkaline earth group" in English, referring to the chemical elements found in Group 2 of the periodic table. These elements, also known as alkaline earth metals, include beryllium (Be), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), strontium (Sr), barium (Ba), and radium (Ra).

These elements are characterized by their relatively low electronegativity and tendency to lose two electrons to form a +2 cation. They are all metals, though beryllium and magnesium have some properties that distinguish them from the heavier members of the group. Alkaline earth metals are generally reactive, though less so than alkali metals (Group 1). They react with halogens to form ionic salts and with water, with reactivity increasing down the group. Calcium and magnesium are particularly important in biological systems, playing crucial roles in bone formation, muscle contraction, and enzyme function. Radium is a radioactive element with no known biological function and is primarily studied for its radioactive properties. The name "alkaline earth" originates from their historical classification as "earths" and the fact that their oxides form alkaline solutions in water.