Discuss the general characteristics and gradation in properties of alkaline earth metals.

(N/A) The alkaline earth metals include $Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba,$ and $Ra$. Their general characteristics and trends are as follows:
$1$. Electronic Configuration: They have a general valence shell electronic configuration of $ns^2$.
$2$. Atomic and Ionic Radii: The atomic and ionic radii increase down the group due to the addition of new shells.
$3$. Ionization Enthalpy: They have low ionization enthalpies,which decrease down the group as the atomic size increases.
$4$. Hydration Enthalpy: Hydration enthalpies decrease down the group as the ionic size increases. $Be^{2+}$ has the highest hydration enthalpy.
$5$. Physical Properties: They are silvery white,lustrous,and relatively soft,though harder than alkali metals. They impart characteristic colors to the flame (except $Be$ and $Mg$).
$6$. Chemical Reactivity: They are highly reactive,though less than alkali metals. Reactivity increases down the group.
$7$. Reducing Nature: They are strong reducing agents,with $E^{\circ}$ values becoming more negative down the group.