Barium is in Group 2 of the Periodic Table.
Barium reacts with water to produce barium hydroxide, Ba(OH)2\text{Ba(OH)}_2Ba(OH)2, and hydrogen gas.
Write the balanced symbol equation for the reaction between barium and water.
Barium ions, Ba2+\text{Ba}^{2+}Ba2+, are formed when barium reacts.
The equation below shows the formation of a barium ion from a barium atom: Ba→Ba2++2e−\text{Ba} \rightarrow \text{Ba}^{2+} + 2\text{e}^-Ba→Ba2++2e−
Explain why the formation of a barium ion is described as oxidation.
Radium (Ra\text{Ra}Ra) is another Group 2 element, located further down the group than barium.
Radium reacts much more rapidly and vigorously with water than barium does.
Explain why radium is more reactive than barium. You should refer to atomic structure and electrons in your answer.