why solubility of sulphates of alkali earth metals decreases down the group while of alkali earth metal hydroxide increases down the group?

Dear Student,

Please find below the solution to the asked query:

The solubility of sulphates of alkaline earth metals in water decreases down the group i.e going from BeSO4 to BaSO4. It is due to the fact that with increase in size from Be2+ to Ba2+ the positive charge +2 is distributed over a large surface, owing to which the hydration energy decreases on going from Be2+ to Ba2+. This follows the decrease in solubility in the said order:  

BeSO4 > MgSO4 > CaSO4 > SrSO4 > BaSO4

​On the contrary, the solubility of alkali earth metal hydroxide increases down the group, it is due to the fact that the lattice energy decreases on going down the group with increase in size of the alkaline earth metals cation.


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