Chemguide: Support for CIE A level Chemistry


Learning outcome 27: Group 2

27.1: Similarities and trends in the properties of the Group 2 metals, magnesium to barium, and their compounds


Learning outcome 27.1.1

This statement wants you to explain the trends in the thermal decomposition of the Group 2 carbonates and nitrates.

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


You will find everything you need on the page about the thermal decomposition of the Group 2 carbonates and nitrates.

You can ignore the bottom half of that page which talks about the energetics of the reactions. That isn't needed for the CIE syllabus.

There is a very straightforward question on this in the specimen paper for the syllabus starting in 2022. See paper 4 Q1(b). Don't forget to look at the mark scheme that goes with it.


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© Jim Clark 2020