In the periodic table, alkaline earth metals can be found in group

Analyze the question: The question asks which group of the periodic table contains the alkaline earth metals.

Concept: Metals in the periodic table are grouped by the number of electrons in their outermost shell.

• Group I: alkali metals (Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Fr), with 1 valence electron
• Group II: alkaline earth metals (Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Ra), with 2 valence electrons
• Group VII: halogens
• Group 0 (or VIII): noble gases

Solution:

1. The alkaline earth metals are beryllium, magnesium, calcium, strontium, barium and radium.
2. Each has 2 electrons in its outermost shell. For example, Mg is 2, 8, 2 and Ca is 2, 8, 8, 2.
3. They lose these 2 electrons to form M²⁺ ions, such as Mg²⁺ and Ca²⁺.
4. Elements with 2 valence electrons belong to Group II.

Checking the options:

• A. Group I: alkali metals, so no.
• B. Group II: alkaline earth metals, so yes.
• C. Group VI: the oxygen family (chalcogens), so no.
• D. Group VII: halogens, so no.

Tip: Link the group number to the valence electrons. "Alkali" is Group 1, and "alkaline earth" is the next one over, Group 2. Remember the order as Li, Na, K for Group I, and Be, Mg, Ca for Group II ("Be Mindful of Calcium").