Question

Which one of the following is not an alkaline earth metal?
1. Magnesium
2. Barium
3. Sodium
4. Calcium

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 3 : Sodium

The correct answer is Sodium.

• Sodium is not an alkaline earth metal.
• Alkaline earth metals are group II elements like calcium, magnesium, Barium, and strontium
• Hence, option 3 is correct.

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• The elements of Group 2 include beryllium, magnesium, calcium, strontium, barium, and radium.
  • These elements with the exception of beryllium are commonly known as alkaline earth metals.
• These elements are called Alkaline Earth metals because of two reasons:
  • Their oxides exist in the earth’s crust and are very stable to heat. 
  • Their oxides and hydroxides show basic (alkaline) natures.
  • Beryllium fulfills the first criterion but not the second one since its oxides and hydroxides show amphoteric behavior, rather than alkaline.