Chapter 27 - Metals II: Properties and Reactions - Exercises - Properties and Chemistry of the Metals - Page 1054: 32

Standard reduction potentials of the alkaline earth metals are, in general, very negative, indicating that alkaline earth metals are easily oxidized and hence are good reducing agents. Progressing down Group 2A, the atoms are larger, the outer electrons are more easily lost, the metals become better reducing agents and standard reduction potentials become more negative.

Standard reduction potentials of the alkaline earth metals are, in general, very negative, indicating that alkaline earth metals are easily oxidized and hence are good reducing agents. Progressing down Group 2A, the atoms are larger, the outer electrons are more easily lost, the metals become better reducing agents and standard reduction potentials become more negative.