alkaline earth
Học thuậtThân thiện
A student points to the alkaline earth metals on a large periodic table poster.
Definition
Noun: 1. Any of the bivalent metals of group II of the periodic table: This term refers to the chemical elements in Group 2 of the periodic table. They are all shiny, silvery-white, and somewhat reactive metals at standard temperature and pressure. The most common members are beryllium, magnesium, calcium, strontium, barium, and radium. They are called "alkaline earth" metals because their oxides ("earths") form alkaline (basic) solutions when mixed with water.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Calcium, an alkaline earth, is essential for strong bones and teeth.
- Magnesium is a lightweight alkaline earth metal used in alloys.
- The chemist studied the reactivity of the alkaline earth elements.
Advanced Usage
- "Alkaline earth metal": This is the full, more precise term synonymous with "alkaline earth" in a chemical context.
- Barium is an alkaline earth metal used in medical imaging.
Variants and Related Words
- Alkaline earth metal (n): The full technical term.
- Group 2 element (n): The modern periodic table designation for these elements.
Synonyms
- Group 2 metal
- Earth metal (in historical/older contexts)
Related Phrases
- Alkaline earth oxide (n): The compound formed when an alkaline earth metal reacts with oxygen (e.g., calcium oxide, CaO).
- Quicklime is calcium oxide, an alkaline earth oxide.
- Alkaline earth hydroxide (n): The base formed when an alkaline earth oxide reacts with water (e.g., magnesium hydroxide, Mg(OH)₂).
- Milk of magnesia contains alkaline earth hydroxide to relieve indigestion.
A student points to the alkaline earth metals on a large periodic table poster.
Noun
- any of the bivalent metals of group II of the periodic table (calcium or strontium or barium or magnesium or beryllium)