Chemguide: Support for CIE A level Chemistry


Learning outcome 10.1

Group 2

Similarities and trends in the properties of the Group 2 metals (magnesium to barium) and their compounds


Learning outcome 10.1.5

This statement asks for the trend in the solubilities of the Group 2 hydroxides and sulphates. Notice that it only asks you to state the trends. It doesn't ask you to explain them.

Before you go on, you should find and read the statement in your copy of the syllabus.


The hydroxides

The hydroxides become more soluble as you go down the group.

None of them are very soluble, but the solubility increases as you go down the Group. See the beginning of the page about the solubility of the hydroxides (etc).


The sulphates

The sulphates become less soluble as you go down the group.

  • Magnesium sulphate is soluble in water.

  • Calcium sulphate is only very slightly soluble in water.

  • Strontium and barium sulphates are virtually insoluble in water.

You will find this just after the hydroxides on the page about the solubility of the hydroxides (etc) that you have just looked at.


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© Jim Clark 2020