Which group in the periodic table do the alkaline-earth metals belong to?

Explanation

Alkaline earth metals occupy Group 2 of the periodic table. This group includes beryllium, magnesium, calcium, strontium, barium, and radium.

These elements have two electrons in their outer shell, which they readily lose to form +2 ions. This makes them reactive, though less so than Group 1 alkali metals.

Alkaline earth metals form basic (alkaline) compounds when they react with water. Calcium and magnesium are essential for life and common in nature.