‹ Chemistry simulationsChemistry · AS Level 9701 · 10 Group 2Five simulations covering Topic 10: the trend in atomic size and ionisation energy down group 2 with shell diagrams, the reactions with oxygen, water and acid, the thermal decomposition of the carbonates and nitrates with a furnace you control, the opposite solubility trends of the hydroxides and sulfates, and the lime cycle.
Down the group each element has one more full shell. The atoms get bigger, the outer electrons are shielded by more inner shells, and both ionisation energies fall. That is why the metals get more reactive down the group.
All the group 2 metals are reducing agents: they lose their two outer electrons. The vigour increases down the group because those electrons are easier to remove. Pick a metal and a reagent and watch.
Heat a group 2 carbonate and it splits into the oxide and carbon dioxide. The bigger the cation, the less it polarises the carbonate ion, so the more heat is needed. Turn up the burner and see which one decomposes.
Two opposite trends: the hydroxides become more soluble down the group, the sulfates less soluble. Add each compound to water and watch what dissolves, then use the trend to explain the barium meal and the test for sulfate ions.
The lime cycle turns limestone into quicklime and slaked lime and back again. Each step is a group 2 reaction you have already met. Follow the cycle and see where each compound is used.
3D shell diagrams and the ionisation energy trend down group 2, reactions with oxygen, water and dilute acid with flame colours and bubbles, thermal decomposition of the carbonates and nitrates with a furnace you control, the opposite solubility trends of the hydroxides and sulfates, and the lime cycle in 3D.
Five simulations covering Topic 10: the trend in atomic size and ionisation energy down group 2 with shell diagrams, the reactions with oxygen, water and acid, the thermal decomposition of the carbonates and nitrates with a furnace you control, the opposite solubility trends of the hydroxides and sulfates, and the lime cycle.
Group 2 is a free, browser-based simulation for Cambridge International AS & A Level Chemistry 9701 (topic 10 Group 2). The same ideas are examined in Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry 0620 (topic 7 Acids, bases and salts). The course is assessed in Paper 1 (Multiple Choice (AS)), Paper 2 (AS Structured), Paper 3 (Advanced Practical), Paper 4 (A Level Structured), Paper 5 (Planning, Analysis, Evaluation). Syllabus for examination in 2025-2027. There are 5 tabs, each a self-contained experiment with its own controls and live readings, and nothing to install: it runs on a laptop, tablet or classroom projector.
Full syllabus map: AS Level Chemistry 9701 topic 10.
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