Alkaline Earth Metals
By: Ellie Allen
What are Alkaline Earth Metals?
Alkaline Metals Are....
Alkaline earth elements are in the second group on the periodic table. They all have two electrons in there outer energy level. They are not found freely in nature.
Uses for Alkaline Earth Metals
Beryllium
Beryllium is 50th in the most abundant of the chemical elements. It occurs commonly in gemstones. It is used in the manufacturing of alloys. Copper-Beryllium is used in some hand tools. Nikel- Beryllium are used in electrical connections in high temperature applications. Beryllium is used in glass X ray tubes. Beryllium is toxic to humans.
Magnesium
Magnesium is the 6th most common element in Earth's crust. Magnesium is a huge component in Chlorophyll which helps plants store sunlight. Magnesium is used in alloys of aluminum and zinc. They are used in construction, especially to make airplanes and car engines.
Strontium
Strontium is the 15th most abundant element in the Earth's crust. They occur in small amounts in the ocean. Strontium is used in fireworks and flares. Strontium carbonate is a glass additive. Strontium hydroxide is used for refining in beet sugar.
Barium
Barium is the fourteenth most abundant element in the Earth's crust. Like Strontium it also occurs in small amounts in then ocean. Barium sulfate is used in lubricating mud in well-drilling operations. Patients with gastrointestinal problem that requires them to drink the liquid form of Barium sulfate before having X rays.
Radium
Radium is a radioactive element that is formed by radioactive decay. The more radium in the rock the more the longer the decay has been taking place, and the older the rock is. Radium is used in medicine to treat cancer and other conditions. Radium is used to paint the glowing number on watches. This production has been stopped, however, due to the health risks of people working at radium plant.
Calcium
Calcium is the 3rd most common metal on Earth, and it's the fifth most common element. Compounds of calcium is found in sea water. Calcium helps develop bones and teeth. It is needed to clot blood and maintain and normal blood pressure. Calcium compounds are used in building materials. Other calcium compounds are used in steel, glass, paper, dairy, and metallurgical industries. It is also used in antacids, toothpaste, chewing gum, and vitamins.