Main Group Chemistry, (tutorial Chemistry Texts) Site

electron shells, leading to predictable trends in reactivity, bonding, and geometry. 1. Periodic Trends (The Foundation)

+2 oxidation state. Harder and less reactive than Group 1, but still form basic oxides. Magnesium and Calcium are biologically essential. 3. The p-Block (Groups 13–18) MAIN GROUP CHEMISTRY, (Tutorial Chemistry Texts)

Highly reactive, +1 oxidation state. They are so soft they can be cut with a knife and react violently with water to form hydroxides and hydrogen gas. Harder and less reactive than Group 1, but

To understand these elements, you have to look at the "Big Three" trends: The p-Block (Groups 13–18) Highly reactive, +1 oxidation

Elements like Lithium and Magnesium share similar properties because their charge-to-size ratios are almost identical.

Increases across a period; decreases down a group.

The ability to attract electrons. Fluorine is the king here. 2. The s-Block (Groups 1 & 2)