Question

Gypsum, limestone are the minerals of which alkaline earth metal?
a.Calcium
b.Magnesium
c.Beryllium
d.None of the these

Answer 1

Hint: We must have to know that alkaline earth metals are present in the group 2 of the periodic table and are abundant in nature. The periodic table consists of metals and nonmetals both whereas metalloids also show metals as well as non metals properties. All the metals in the question are group 2 metals itself.

Complete answer:
 As we know that alkaline earth metals are the metals that are present in group 2 of the modern periodic table.
They are called so because the oxides of these metals produce basic solutions.
They have 2 valence electrons in their highest energy orbital and hence are placed in group 2.
Gypsum called calcium sulphate dihydrate $CaS{O_4}.2{H_2}O$ and limestone \[CaC{O_3}\] both are sources of calcium and are found in Earth's crust. Limestone can also be formed by the reaction of slaked lime \[\left( {Ca{{\left( {OH} \right)}_2}} \right)\] and water which forms limestone. Limestone can be used in building materials as it gets hard and is used as a raw material in various chemical industries.
Calcium is said to be found in Earth's crust as a percentage of \[4.1\% \] .
Calcium is present in the bones and the hard parts of bodies. Marine animals which die get buried in the earth's crust and this is how calcium is found from the crust.
It is very hard and thus is used in making hard surfaces. Calcium salts are also used in making plaster of paris and mortar.
All the parts mentioned in the question are alkaline earth metals and are found in some or the other form in the crust. The option (a) is correct as the compounds found are of metal calcium.
The option (b) is incorrect as magnesium is found as magnesite, magnesia not as limestone or gypsum
The option (c) is incorrect because Beryllium has oxides and other compounds.

Note:
As we know, several natural metals found in nature are used in industries. Limestone is used in various places for construction and also for surface hardening purposes. Gypsum salt also forms hard structures and is used in sculpture formation and in POP.