How do group 2 metals generally react with water?

Group 2 metals, also known as alkaline earth metals, typically react with water to produce hydrogen gas and metal hydroxides. This reaction is characterized by the formation of a soluble hydroxide and the release of hydrogen gas, which is a common feature of metals reacting with water.

When a group 2 metal comes into contact with water, it displaces hydrogen from the water molecules. For example, if magnesium were to react with water, it would yield magnesium hydroxide along with hydrogen gas. This can be represented by the general reaction:

[ \text{Metal} + \text{Water} \rightarrow \text{Metal Hydroxide} + \text{Hydrogen Gas} ]

As you move down the group, the reactivity of these metals with water increases. Beryllium shows very little reactivity with water, while calcium will react readily with cold water. This trend continues with strontium and barium.

In contrast, the other potential answers suggest different aspects of the reaction that do not align with the established behavior of these metals. For example, the idea that they do not react at all or that they only produce hydroxides without releasing hydrogen gas overlooks the fundamental nature of how these metals interact with water. Similarly,