electron shells, leading to predictable trends in reactivity, bonding, and geometry. 1. Periodic Trends (The Foundation)
+2 oxidation state. Harder and less reactive than Group 1, but still form basic oxides. Magnesium and Calcium are biologically essential. 3. The p-Block (Groups 13–18) MAIN GROUP CHEMISTRY, (Tutorial Chemistry Texts)
Decreases across a period (increasing nuclear charge pulls electrons closer) and increases down a group. leading to predictable trends in reactivity