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Atomic: M.A.C. | Reference
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Reactions of Radium
Reactions with water
It is thought that reacts very readily with water to form radium hydroxide, Ra(OH)2 and hydrogen gas (H2).
Ra(s) + 2H2O(g) Ra(OH)2(aq) + H2(g)
Reactions with air
The surface of radium metal is covered with a thin layer of oxide that helps protect the metal from attack by air, but to a lesser extent than the corresponding layer in magnesium.
2Ra(s) + O2(g) 2RaO(s)
Ra(s) + O2(g) RaO2(s)
2Ra(s) + N2(g) 2Ra3N2(s)
Reduction Potentials
Balanced half-reaction E0 / V
Ra2+ + 2e-Ra(s) -2.92