Describe the properties of alkaline earth metals. Based on their electronic arrangement, explain whether they can exist alone in nature.

See explanation

Explanation:

Alkaline earth metals are metals of group two. They are divalent metals and they have a highly negative reduction potential hence the metals are mostly extracted by electrolysis.

They are highly reactive metals. They react with water but do so less readily than alkali earth metals.

Owing to their high reactivity, they are seldom found free in nature. They always occur in combined state with other highly reactive nonmetals.

it forms an anion that has a larger radius. anions have a negative charge and are larger than the original atom.