Alkaline earth refers to elements in the periodic table with an atomic number ranging from 3 to 12. They include beryllium, magnesium, calcium, strontium, barium, and radium. However, there are several synonyms that can be used in place of "alkaline earth," including alkaline earth metals, Group 2 elements, or simply Group 2. The term "alkaline" comes from their tendency to react with water to form solutions with a pH greater than 7, thereby making them basic or alkaline. These elements have unique chemical and physical properties, including low electronegativity, high boiling points, and are good conductors of electricity.